Let the Landscaping Begin

Date: July 31st

Luckily the rain stopped and the mud backyard quickly dried up.

The landscapers were still able to come out this morning and start

putting this yard back together!

We debating forever about the landscaping plan.

We knew we wanted a huge turf patch again.

We live outside and the kids play nonstop on the grass.

We knew we wanted it water friendly....

aka as little irrigation as possible with our crazy Anthem water rates!

Finally Ryan made the final decision and decided he wanted NO more yard maintenance.

Ok that's it. Wall to wall turf it is!

We shoved all our yard belongings over by the bbq island and also to the RV side of the yard.

This was going to be a huge and long job!

3000 sq ft of turf is unheard of around here!

Hence why we sucked it up and paid someone else to do it this time!!

They measured and laid out the pieces of turf we salvaged.

Then we bought twice as much turf and all the rest of the supplies for the workers.

After that we sat inside the A/C house and watched them work!

We pulled back a lot of the pavers in order to have it run with the angle of the pool

with a strip of turf in between

The poor side yard! lol

Ya we were working really hard inside while they were working outside! lol

They project to be done with the yard in 3 days!

I can't wait to not live in a construction zone anymore!!

Monsoon Kick Off

Date: July 30th

Tonight our first big monsoon storm hit.

And yes of course our landscapers start tomorrow installing the turf.

Which means our current torn apart dirt backyard is now a pure mud backyard!!!! ugh

It just kept coming down harder and harder

while I watched the mud water flood higher and higher onto the patio

That's a pretty sight right off our back patio!

Oh well at least we finally got some much needed rain!

I had joked with Ryan that our timing was impeccable with this pool build.

That it would take most of the summer to complete

and then by the time it was done we would immediately be into monsoon season

and cleaning up the storm messes constantly! 

lol dang I hate when I right...well sometimes! ;)

Pool Trespasser

Date: July 30th

It only took 4 days to have our first unwelcome guest in the pool.

Yes I had to scoop out a dead tarantula this morning.

Yes I was dying.

Yes I'm now even more of a nazi about everyone wearing shoes outside!!

Digging up this backyard unearthed all sorts of creatures.

I have a feeling this won't be my last trespasser in the pool!!

Summer Fun Improved

Date: July 29th

Parenting bored summer kids in 110 degrees

just got a little easier!!

Popsicles and Pool Day!

Later that afternoon Taylee's friend came over.

They came up with a new game.

Floating Pool Volleyball

They had a blast!

But I'm still nervous of someone hitting their head on the edge of the travertine!

Soon after Anden left for football practice!

Enjoy the heat and humidity buddy!

We'll be right here in the pool! haha

First Family Pool Party

Date: July 28th

Grammie came up today after church to visit

and catch up on our Idaho travels.

Which meant it also turned into our first family pool party!

It took about 5 minutes before Ryan and Anden took the jumping into the pool to 

a way "higher" level!

Our first family plunge!

And then again with Grammy!

We swam until the sun disappeared and cotton candy colors lit up the sky!

Then it was back inside to get cozy and chill!

What a great start to our season of pool parties!!