a touch of summer fun

This summer has been filled with so many great memories. 

I am remember dreaming about what summers in South Dakota would be.  Wishing for quality time for all the cousins to be together or wondering what "stopping by" the grandparents house would be like.  We could not have imagined just how wonderful that would be.  We have loved every minute!  I feel so blessed that God spoke to us just when we needed, pushing us to follow our hearts and He answering by a position created for Ben. 

Currently we are attempting to balance finishing the yard, enjoying family and camping.  I could have never imagined just how much work laying a sprinkler line, trenching, digging, raking, etc would be. This neighborhood is called Red ROCKS for a reason.  I like to call it boulder city!

I am sore every.single.day.  Luckily we have the base work down {laying the sprinkler system and removing loads and loads of rock} and decorative rocks are being delivered Monday.  I keep saying, one step at a time and we will reap the benefits next summer. 

P.S. don't let that dingo machine fool you, we still did ALOT of manual digging!

At first this yard work was exciting and I couldn't wait to dig in. I thought {typical me} of all the positives, a great tan, a great work out, a great yard.  Then about 10 hours later, I realized, this SUCKS!  We kept trudging along and that first day of trenching was a 14 hour day!  With kids!  Everyone did great but everyone was sore!

That has not been our only fun though.  I plan on doing quite a few more posts on a few camping trips, custer state park weekend and the parents weekend away!

Ben and the boys built a go cart from some left over wood and wheels Ben had.  Nick and Ryan LOVED it.  I think most of all the quality time with their Uncle was the best. :)

This is not the first, nor will it be their last, play in the mud.  I have reached my tolerance with dirt and mud!  I can't stand cleaning it up everywhere, from outside to inside.  The red dirt stains and transfers like lice.  UGH!  The kids {obviously} love every minute and beg to "play in just a little bit."  Yard work = Kids get to do whatever, so you can just get it done.  Many hose baths have been had.

We even squeeze in some time for cupcakes.  I job well done by these cuties.