It's so much harder than it looks!

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So...
this past week we worked our tails off trying to transform our front yard into something other than the dirt pit it's been since moving here. The task didn't seem too overwhelming, until we actually picked up our tools and attempted to penetrate the soil! We finally figured out that the clay-like dirt is very soft (like quicksand) when it is wet. So we ended up using the hose alot to get the stubborn weeds and rocks out. When it dries out it is as hard as cement but somehow rocks would still make their way to the surface so that even after getting it all smoothed out in the evening, by the time we headed out there the next morning there seemed to be a whole new batch of rocks that had popped up during the night. I can't even count how many wheelbarrow loads of rocks we hauled outta there. Honestly, if we could eat those things we would be set for life there are so many!! So now the sprinklers and grass are in. We even added some lovely rich soil to the flower beds in hopes of putting in some plants later. Stay tuned for pictures of the trees and flowers once we get those added....hopefully in the next few weeks.
Anyway, I think we all gained a great appreciation for the pioneers who cultivated this valley from a desolate desert into the beautiful oasis it is today. That took some hard work!