The Great Outdoors

We've done a lot to our house over the years, but the one part of the house we were afraid to mess with was the outdoors. We do our weekly mows and annual tree and bush trimmings, but besides that, we've left it alone. 

When we moved in there was a deck out back. It was not in good shape, it was painted a color we didn't like, and it was raised about a foot off the ground. There was one spot under the roofline where the total height was only about five and a half feet. So most of us (with the exception of myself) would have to duck to get on and off the deck. Not convenient.

After our first round of renovations, I made a photo book, and as a joke, included a picture of our deck on the back with the caption "...to be continued..."

That summer, my husband and I tore down the deck and he pulled up every single post set in concrete with the help of our neighbor and his farm jack. Very useful, too, if you ever want to rip out your own bushes, some small trees, or in our case, concrete pieces. 

And so that's how it has been for all the years up to the present. Just an empty patch of grass past the existing patio that came with the house. 

Photo courtesy of my two-year-old. Excuse his finger.

Last month, we finally continued what was to be continued from seven years ago. We got quotes, found a company, and had our patio extended with concrete pavers. The work took two days and we can't be more pleased with the result. 

Our backyard actually feels bigger because we have more usable space where the kids can now play on a flat surface, we can place chairs further out in our yard and enjoy more of the night sky in the evenings. My potted plant babies can also serve as patio decor now that they sit atop a neatly paved flat surface. 

Our backyard won't be model home worthy, and that isn't my goal, but being able to see this space done and usable for us and our kids to enjoy has been well worth the money. I joking told a friend after it was done, "The money didn't even hurt!" 

I've stepped outside on the patio multiple times everyday since it was completed, mostly out of obligation to water my plants. But I think simply the fact that it is done and such a nicer space to be in makes me want to spend more time out there. Another satisfying house project (that wasn't DIY!) in the books. 😊