Backyard Bliss

So, I've had many intentions over the last couple of months to post about the changes we made to our backyard this year.  But seeing how most of you who read this blog are friends and family that have most likely seen it, I just haven't taken the time to sit down and do this.  But I want to, for the record.  And to see the before and after pics, which are pretty amazingly different!

Let me start by saying, Jason and I are NOT outside "yard" people.  Yes, we like to be outside to play with the boys.  Yes, we like to be outside to play or watch baseball or football or soccer or [fill in the sport here 'cause we probably play it or watch it].  And, yes, we like to be outside to swim.

But to ask us to do any kind of outside yard work -- well, before this year, had most likely never happened. Jason's allergies don't allow him to do much yard work.  And I, well, I just don't like it.  I've never mowed a yard in my life, and don't intend to if I can get away with it.  :-)

After much discussion last winter and the first part of spring, we decided to redo our backyard.  Our boys love to be outside and we knew we needed to make it a place that they enjoyed.  Besides all that, our backyard was just downright ugly and something needed to be done.

Our first project was that we had to cut down a tree.  I know, I know.  Cutting down a tree is not good -- especially since it was pretty and gave us lots of shade.  BUT, it was a fruitless mulberry and the roots were getting out of hand.  

So, we did.  And then we had a big area of dirt that we didn't know what to do with.  Well, take that back:  Jason and I didn't know what to do with it.  The boys being boys knew exactly what to do with it:  dig and play in the dirt.  :-)  

Before:

I don't really remember how we came to the conclusion of a deck, but we did.  And Jason's uncle from Midland came over and built it for us.  Can I just say we L-O-V-E this deck!  Amazing to me what a little bit of elevated wood can do for your backyard.  We eat out there.  We love sitting out there.  We have enjoyed it immensely!

After:

Another problem was our grass.  I guess it wasn't really a problem, except we didn't like to have it mowed. And there was a hole that we couldn't seem to get rid of and, well, I could come up with excuses all day long -- BUT -- the bottom line is my husband wanted turf.  He has wanted turf in our backyard for as long as I can remember.  So, guess what?  He got his turf.

Before:

After:

And a putting green to go with it!

Before:

After:

Next on the agenda was a new play set for the boys.  We had one.  It literally fell apart.  So, after much looking, we settled on this.  The boys L-O-V-E this!  They think we are cool parents.  Woo-hoo!

The last project we tackled this year was to hide the pool pump.  It's ugly.  It just is.  And I didn't like looking at it.  Soooooo, I had a bright idea.  It involved a trip to Canton.  And my husband graciously agreed and more graciously went with me.  

Here are the boys digging up weeds in this area to prepare for my bright idea.  (Jaxon decided he needed his alien mask to do the work.)

So, a trip to Canton, a packed car, four old doors, 6 brackets, 2 conduit poles, quikrete and a few sore muscles later, we had this:

The ground cover still has to spread, but we are very proud of this little project.  It may be little to some, but it was HUGE for us to do all by ourselves.  And I love that I don't have to look at that ugly pump.

Also, please notice that these and the flowers in the deck picture are LIVE plants.  Yes, I have had a black thumb for many, many years, but I have managed to keep these things alive all summer.  Now that is amazing!  I have never had to ask someone to water my plants when I went out of town because, well, because I never had any.  But I actually had to ask someone to do that for me this year when we went on our little vacation.  Very liberating as a woman, I must say.

So, that's it...for now.  There are still more projects we'd like to tackle back there, but I guess it will be an ongoing project for -- well, probably forever.  We love spending time in our backyard now!  

These boys are a little sad that our swimming days are over for this year...

But at least Mommy and Daddy get to play on the other stuff with them.  

Looking forward to making many more memories here!