Backyard Makeover – Part 3

Today work began on the new and improved patio space. My dad has dreamed up a space that will provide a great place for entertaining and relaxation. He has designed a wall to surround the patio that will serve as seating and containment of the dirt behind it. We think that we will be able to seat 20 people comfortably, perfect for home group! Kevin now needs to build the patio cover to go above it.

Digging the trenches for the seat wall.

Digging the trenches for the seat wall.

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Preparing the molds for the rounded edges of the seat wall.

Preparing the molds for the rounded edges of the seat wall.

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Ready for concrete for the slab beneath the shed.

Ready for concrete for the slab beneath the shed.

Cement is here!

Cement is here!

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My dad chose a dark charcoal gray color to match the house.

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Concrete poured for the shed slab.

Concrete poured for the shed slab.

Concrete design by Papa John

Concrete design by Papa John

11 Months old today!

11 Months old today!

Waiting patiently for the birthday party backyard reveal!

Waiting patiently for the birthday party backyard reveal!

Backyard Makeover – Part 2

With no time wasted, at 7:00 this morning the Bobcat arrived and began ripping out the existing concrete. Within a matter of hours, the concrete was removed and the ground beneath the future patio had been leveled. Talk about a quick turnaround!

Goodbye old concrete!

Goodbye old concrete!

Parker was awakened from his nap from the loud noises outside. Luckily he didn't seem to mind...

Parker was awakened from his nap from the loud noises outside. Luckily he didn’t seem to mind…

We enjoyed watching the tractor from the inside of the house.

We enjoyed watching the tractor from the inside of the house.

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Happy to see the concrete breaking in nice large pieces to be used for our garden paths!

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Papa John came over and chalked out where he envisions everything going.

Papa John came over and chalked out where he envisions everything going.

Just imagine a beautiful winding path that draws you into the secret garden.

Just imagine a beautiful winding path that draws you into the secret garden.

Enjoying cool breeze in the afternoon, can't wait to see what everything will look like in just a few short weeks.

After a long day, P and Grandpa enjoyed the cool breeze in the afternoon.

Backyard Makeover – Part 1

My dad texted us last night and said, “My mason and I will be there before 8am to go over my backyard design”… What?? I was so excited to hear that my dad was willing to start working away on our backyard before Parker’s 1st birthday party in July. He has described to me a beautiful oasis that is both inviting and accommodating for entertaining and relaxing for a night out on the patio after a long day’s work. Let’s get started!

Check out the BEFORE photos below…

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Thanks Dad!

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Papa John measuring for the new patio.

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Looking from our side gate at the back of the house (Northwest view).

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Looking at the back of our house from the garage.

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Looking at the garage from the southeast corner of the yard.

South East View

South East View

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Southwest View

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West Side Yard View

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We will be moving the shed (seen in prior photos) to wear the ladder is sitting in this photo. In return we will put a sandbox where the shed currently sits for a play area for Parker.

Kevin and Dan got a head start and began breaking up the concrete on the west side yard. We are saving all of these broken pieces to be reused in a winding path throughout the garden.

Kevin and Dan got a head start and began breaking up the concrete on the west side yard. We are saving all of these broken pieces to be reused in a winding path throughout the garden.