The Backyardigans

I'm mildly embarrassed to say that our backyard has looked like this for the last 2 years at least. The kids have actually loved it. It's like an excavation pit right in your own backyard. Well, this year we decided to finally get rid of the hole that was once a swimming pool. And I decided that I wanted it done before Kent's first birthday party!

We also thought it would be a good time to plant a tree. You know...since we didn't have to dig a hole...We bought this lovely white oak after the guy told us that it would withstand drought or flood. That's our kind of tree. You never know just what form our neglect will take...This way, in 30 years our grandkids will have a tree with a swing. Do you think we'll be here that long?

A very late night trip to the Depot to pick up some tools for our big work weekend.

20 yards of dirt in the first truck. 20 yards of dirt in the second truck. That's a lot of dirt. And a little boy's dream!!

After our first round of dirt it's looking pretty good. We still have a few low spots and need more dirt. Hence the second 20 yards.

Our second work day was a huge collaborative effort with the help of 2 tractors and lots of extra hands. Here Gigi and Josh take a ride rolling out the dirt.

Isaiah had a blast on the tractor. Once when he got off he said, "When I drive that, I feel like the man." Heaven for an 11 year old boy. He worked so hard the entire day!

Here are a few more helpers with the sod. Sod = instant gratification. Really, It's like heaven in a roll. Unless maybe that's Cinnabon. Yeah...probably Cinnabon.

And we all stand around and admire the work we've done. Isn't the tree so cute? The ridges from the sod should grow together and be one with the rest of the grass soon enough. It's hard when you're piecing together a yard.

But we're not through yet! Jason, with the help of Clark and Kent, built me two planter boxes to fill the weird holes in the deck and bring a little more design to what was pretty bland. We sort of used these plans, but I think he mostly just looked at the picture and built it. It turns out the planter is a perfect playpen for a wee one. And it could also have been used as a vault. Don't worry, no animal or person was harmed or buried in my planter. Although I have heard that it is excellent fertilizer. I kid, I kid. 

Here's the finished vault, I mean planter. So pretty, yes? We were upcycling some of our extra deck boards too...that's why they are different colors.

And the little corner one...

Here they are from the yard. They make such a difference to the yard and deck. I LOVE them. I can't wait for my flowers to grow. I'll post some better after shots when the yard is all cleaned up for the party.

A HUGE thank you to all of our friends and family that helped move dirt and sod to help us finish the yard! We really appreciate it! You're the best! And if you ever need help moving dirt, Jason would love to come and help!