Our New Yard

Well, it took about 10 months, but we finally got our front yard put in. Jarom worked VERY hard for about 6 weeks. He really did a great job! Steve and Brian also helped several days and we are very grateful to them for their muscles and sweat. Cost was an issue in the planning of the landscape; with the high cost of water right now and a fairly large corner lot, we decided to make about 2/3 of the yard gravel with a grassy area protected by a cute picked fence where the kids can play safely since our street is pretty busy. The project included 20 tons of gravel (most of which Jarom shoveled himself in the 100-110 degree summer heat), moving all the sprinklers, design and building of the fence and gate, install of two 10 foot trees and one 30 foot tree, and laying sod. I think it turned out pretty darn nice. Good job my love!

I love the swing. A nice little touch and so nice to relax on in the evening.

Here is the tree installation. Jarom, Steve, and Brian installed a 30 foot, 2 ton tree without the use of a crane or Bobcat. Instead, they backed the trailer holding the tree over the 4x4x4 foot hole, and used engine hoists on either side of the trailer to hover the tree in the air as the trailer was pulled out from under it. The hoists were each secured in place by the tire of a vehicle to keep it from giving with the weight of the tree. Jarom and Steve then lowered the tree down into the hole while Brian kept it level with a rope while the wind picked up. It was quite the sight! Neighbors came out to watch the event. I'm pretty amazed and grateful that no one was hurt and out house is still intact.

Isaac always wants to be in on the action and is very sad when he cannot be. This is one of the piles of gravel.

The laying of the sod was the most rewarding day. So many WEEKS were spent doing work that didn't seem to make much differance in the appearance of the yard, and then in half a day we had lovely green grass!