Wet weather, mud and a flooded basement

The weather here in Iowa has been something else this year. Our winter started with terrible ice storms which knocked down a huge tree, which ended up landing on our wooden swing set. My poor girls are out there climbing over the tree to get to the top, although the tree was laying on the slide so there wasn't much they could do once they got up there. 2 sides of it were completely useless to them since there were so many branches in the way.

We finally got it all cleaned off after 3 weekends and a lot of sweat and tears (ok it wasn't that bad but it did suck) Now we (and by that I mean DH) just need to put the roof back together. We also have a trampoline with a mesh net surrounding it. Last fall we had terrible winds that blew it across the yard and broke one of the poles so it is use able if they only jump on half of it. Then to top it off our landscaping STILL isn't done and since it won't stop raining it doesn't look like it is going to be anytime soon. There are huge tire runts in the backyard from machinery getting stuck. The grass has grown on top of it so we can't see when we are mowing and get stuck. My husband finally just stayed close since I was getting stuck every few minutes. The front yard has no grass at all. The ditch is full of water and we have frogs that croak all.night.long....loudly.. I try to pretend I am camping but it's not quite working.

On the side of the house we do have a little area of grass I am able to put the water slide and pool up. I just didn't dream after a full year of putting the house here we would still not be done. I am a do-er so this waiting drives me mad. However we have has severe (as in more tornado's and super high winds) for the past few days so it isn't looking like it is going to get better any time soon. I looked at the forecast for next week and all 7 days we are suppose to have rain again. With the temps in the high 80's.. Uhmmm I think we forgot to have spring this year.

Kinzley doesn't really seem to mind the fact she has to walk thru the mud to get to her toys.

Remember this post?

Kenna, on the other hand HATES to be dirty. Hates mud on her shoes or on her sister's shoes. Hates mud on the floor or on the dog. HATES it. And just for the record I didn't know she hated it until after I took these pictures. What kind of mom do you think I am ??

So each and every time she wants to go play, we have to take her over to the grass since her feet can't get dirty. It's really not a big deal in the seem of things. It's just getting old..

I really shouldn't complain since 2 months ago we were dealing with this due to the lack of landscaping..

Let me tell ya, THAT was a fun couple of days. Luckily my husband and I were able to get everything up and nothing got ruined. It was just A.L.O.T of work cleaning it all out. Our insurance decided to deny the claim since we didn't have flood insurance. Gotta love insurance companies. We figured we took out 60 gallons of water in the one bedroom! I don't even to know how much water there was in all.

In my mad dash to get everything moved up to higher ground (and get pictures) I didn't get a shot of my sweet delicate proper girls during the flood. Where were they you ask??

In the bathroom floor, naked, "swimming" in the ice cold muddy water.

At least someone thought is was fun.

Oh and in case you are worried...My terrific FIL came the next weekend, installed a new sump pump and finished the job the plumber can't seem to show up to finish. While my yard is drenched at least my basement is staying nice and dry.