What do we do now that Yellowstone is closed???

In 2016, our family started taking road trips on the even numbered years. It all started when Maggie went into the 4th grade and we decided to take advantage of the National Parks Every Kid in a Park program.  Our next trip was planned for June of 2020 and reservations had already been made at Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks when the COVID-19 pandemic hit our country.  We still haven't actually canceled our reservations because we are keeping fingers crossed, saying prayers, and holding out hope that we can still make it this year. We have until May to cancel and not lose all of our deposit. We will just have to patiently wait and see.

We started talking about what we would do if we were all still grounded through the summer. Even making a short trip someplace close seemed foolish, given the situation. Once they closed the state parks as well, we knew we needed to make new plans.

Scott had been thinking about putting up an above ground pool for a while now. He was planning on waiting until after his workshop was built and place the pool nearby.  Unfortunately, the way the city of Killeen is starting to encroach on our area of the county is making him consider selling and moving. He doesn't want to go to the expense of building a work shop, only to be miserable here if the city reaches us.

I told him we could still put up an above ground pool because it can be moved if necessary. And, I offered to split the cost of the pool if he would go ahead and get it put in so we would have someplace for the family to spend time if we are still in some form of lock down.

Scott found a pool the size he wanted on Amazon and ordered it. It was delivered by freight on Monday, April 20th. Ron and our grandson, Seth, had picked up a load of cross ties the previous weekend, and they all worked together to get the site mowed and ready to place the cross ties. Scott placed them in the general area so we could get a rough idea of how much fill we needed to order.

Ron supervising Seth as he mowed the west
end of the property.

Seth then helped Ron pick up a load of cross ties
from McCoy's in Belton. The things FILLED the
back of our truck.

Ron then ordered a load of sand to be delivered on Wednesday. We worked on getting that sand spread for 3 days!

Scott and Seth used the dolly to move the cross
ties and get them placed on the exterior of the
pool pad.

It took 20 square yards of sand. I made Scott stand
next to the pile to show how large it really was.
He is over 6 ft. tall and the sand was almost as tall.

EVERYONE pitched in to get the sand spread. Seth came down after work a couple of days. Molly worked on her lunch breaks and after her work hours ended. Ron helped as much as he could. I was out there every day and racked up the steps on my fit bit!

Ron, Scott, and Pete taking a break.

I love this little dump cart. We have used it to haul
brush, rocks, and now sand. 

The south side of the pad is finished.

That's me raking out the sand in the center of the pad.

Scott came up with some crazy contraption to pack
down the sand. It worked pretty well. With everything
closed or shut down, there was no where to rent something.

Scott working on the north side of the pad.

Seth packing sand.

Molly packing down sand.

Ron and Molly packing down sand.

Molly raking out the high spots.

And Scott shoveling more, and more sand!

Scott just kept saying, "Man! That's a lotta sand!" and it felt like we would never get it spread. It really didn't help that the crazy dogs loved the sand! I was constantly raking out their paw prints. Boom spent most of the day, laying in the sand and watching us work. I guess he really loved the cool sand on his belly.

Silly Boomer, laying in the sand. 

FINALLY FINISHED WITH THE SAND!

We were all so glad that job was done.

Leslie and her family came down on Thursday evening to spend the weekend in our family RV, Miss Lippy. They all helped finish the sand packing and helped put up the pool. I was so busy working with the family that I didn't get any picture during set up. There were a few things Scott changed about the pool he ordered. He added a sand filter and in stead of using chlorine, he treats it with salt. I don't understand how it works so I won't even try to explain it. But, eventually the thing was assembled and we put the water hose inside!

Sophie helping to distribute the salt.

Maggie working on the salt.

Completely full, deck box assembled, and ready for use.

We now have a trampoline, tree fort, archery set, yard games, fire pits, picnic area, and lots of shade. I'm putting together a box of activities that can be done inside to avoid the worst heat of the day and not be sitting in front of a screen. As for sleeping arrangements, we have the family RV, our 5th wheel, and Scott's house. Plus, there is space to set up tents or even camp out on the floor in the quilting room. I think we can accommodate the family for a Searls Family Compound Getaway this summer. It might not be as cool, temperature wise; but, it will still be cool to spend time together.