Backyard pool and cousins

We had some visitors over the past few days. Michele's sister and 2 of her boys came to visit. They helped us a ton with some backyard projects. One of those projects was getting the pool up. They helped us put it together, and then all the cousins got to reap the reward and play in it while it was filling up. They all had a blast.

Alex helping with the cleaning

Alex was my big cleaning partner. We had to go inside and wipe the down parts of the side walls with cleaner since it has been stored for 2 years. It wasn't too bad though. Mostly just a lot of bugs and spiders.

Alex and Aiden playing together.

These boys played for hours while the pool was filling up. It was fun even when it was only a foot deep. I think I even heard one of them say "how is this so fun, it's not even filled all the way?" Or something like that.

4 of the 6 cousins that were here. The other 2 did not care to be in the chilly water. From left to right: Caleb, Aiden, Alex, and Aric.

This is what it looks like from the outside. The outside needs to be scrubbed a little more. Eventually, we will cut the black plastic sheet on the ground so that it's not visible. But we have to get some pavers or something to walk on so it's not muddy. The boys made a little "fountain" with the hose and a pool noodle. If it has to fill up might as well make it fun!

They also helped us with this big project. Getting this area level and ready to put down all the gravel, and then putting all the gravel down. It was a lot of work! All of the helpers did awesome! Here it is all completed, and we have our fireplace back! Eventually, we'll put the picnic table here and some nice decor too. I'm looking forward to having this outdoor space to hang out with the family in.

It was a fun weekend! I love it when family visits. I also love that our backyard is getting beautified, and hopefully becoming a place that we enjoy being.