Backyard Project

Well, we finally are getting one of our talked about projects outside DONE!!!


Last year we talked about tearing up the yard and re-doing it as you couldn’t walk across the yard without spraining your ankle, and with two little ones now, that was the last thing we needed, an ankle injury from walking in the backyard! So, we decided this year would be the year to just get it done before we have two kids begging to go play outside. Thankfully, as we started discussing doing it again, this being the 10th time discussing over the past two years, Taylor finally just called Luke to see what it all entails. Luke said- we are getting it done this week as he goes back to work next week! Those that know me know that when I talk about things I want it done so I was VERY excited to hear Luke say this as it then puts a fire under Taylor’s butt to be proactive on his projects. (Taylor has a lot of wonderful ideas, they just don’t always get done, he is very busy, so it is nice that his buddies can help him get going on his to-do list!)

Luke came over on Tuesday and dug up all the sod and access dirt. Thursday night Ben H. came over with his dump truck to take away all the sod and dirt and then they came up with Plan B, then Plan C!

Plan A was to extend our patio slab so it stretched the full length of our garage instead of just half the length.

Plan B was to take out the existing patio slab, as it settled towards the house and we would get puddles there, then the entire slab would match and not lean towards the house.

Plan C was to forego the slab idea all together and just build a deck! It will be a low deck, just a step up off the yard but it will be easier for Taylor to do, look nicer, and add more value to our house than just a cement slab.

To-Do List:

• Purchase supplies
• Build deck
• Border deck with mulch, a few stepping stones and plants (if the budget allows- we will gladly take any extra Hostas anyone may have!)
• Level out dirt
• Level out flat area in the back corner for a fire pit
• Plant Grass Seed
• If budget allows- lay slab or patio bricks for the fire pit area
• Wait 3 weeks to see the grass sprout!!

Taylor’s plan is to be laying the seed by the end of next week. After his Hastings game tonight he is running to price out the deck supplies to decide which kind of wood he wants to go with. Sunday he plans on purchasing the wood as he has his final Master’s class on Saturday!! YIPPEE!! Then he will be working till the sun goes down all next week after his Hastings baseball games and practice. It will be a lot of work but he will be so happy with himself for getting it done right away! Then we can enjoy it all summer long!

Here is their favorite ‘TOY’ and what it can do!