No Pool, No Problem

Something that our family looks forward to with great anticipation is the opening of the community pool on Memorial Day. 

But this year it didn't happen. It didn't pass inspection. (Ryan was extremely frustrated by this because since he did so much work with pools in Casper he knows what it takes to check the levels and make sure that it's ready to go before you call for an inspection. In other words, it shouldn't have happened.) They arranged another inspection a while later. It failed again. 

The boys were especially put out, but not to be completely beaten, we purchased a simple slip 'n' slide and a kiddie pool. Our plan on Memorial Day following hiking Tent Rock was to invite friends over in the afternoon and try it out/bbq, but a nasty storm blew in. Can you believe we were hiking with gorgeous blue skies earlier in the morning? P was determined to try it at least once or twice, so he braved the cold, wind, and rain. 

I couldn't help but laugh because he's never been great at the actual sliding part, but he did eventually get it down. Just not on this day when it was cold and miserable. Haha

Dodger was actually pretty excited about the kiddie pool too. He is always convinced that there is a fish in it for him to chase, so we found him out there wading around multiple times. 

Nicer weather returned and the kids got some good use out of the pool. Ryan and Pierscen still went swimming at some other local pools where they had to pay - gasp! - but mostly we just played in the backyard. 

See? Much better!

Now this video below is courtesy of one of the most amazing gifts ever. One of our friends that just recently moved out of the ward posted on Facebook that she had a huge collection of the Living Scripture Videos that she was giving away for free. FREE! These things are insanely expensive. I offered to pay her for them, but she said no. The vast majority have never been opened! I was floored! Pierscen watched The Journey to the Promise Land multiple times and that is what inspired the video:

Here is the collection that we received. Living Scriptures, Modern Heroes, and a whole collection of ones on the Latter-day Prophets. Incredible!!!

And unrelated to anything in this post... right around this time we experienced a massive influx of butterflies. I don't remember this last year at all. It was amazing. They were everywhere! Here is a short clip of a bush while I was out on a walk. Nature is fantastic.