Some of you know about the things we have been working on in the yard, and have asked for pictures, so this is for you. For those of you who dont know, here is a list of some of the spring projects we recently got done:
- stained the swing set
- rubber chips for the play area
- laid new patio and steps
- made permanent location for trampoline with extra rubber chips
- poured gravel by the trees in back
- planted 3 new fruit trees
- planted grass to fill in spaces around the new projects
The first thing on our list was getting the rubber chips put in. The kids havent really been able to use their play set much because of all the rocks, dirt and weeds. Every time it would rain it would flood around the swing set and make it all muddy, so it was off limits. So the first thing Ryan did, was install two new drains to solve that problem. Then we laid fabric and had 5000 lbs of recycled rubber playground chips delivered. Of course it was an all day job wheelbarrowing it all from the driveway to the play area, but the kids enjoyed every minute watching their play area get transformed and playing in the chips.
One bag down, 1 1/2 to go! 
Zack getting free rides to the play area...
helping unload...
Zack getting free rides to the play area...
helping unload...
and getting free rides back.
Brylee doing what she does best...taste testing! 
One project down!
We found out we had a few extra chips, so we decided to move the trampoline and put them around that. It was always a pain having to move it to mow the lawn, and now we wont have to! Imagine lush grass around it once it finishes growing!
The next project was going top be getting a new concrete patio poured. I really wanted a place to put a table and our BBQ on. After getting a few price estimates, we decided to go the cheaper route...MUCH cheaper, and just install one with pavers instead. And yes women, I did it mostly myself, again. Please, hold your applause! Ryan did do the hard labor part of digging out all the dirt to make it level, and making many trips to the store and hauling those blocks to the back yard, so lets give him credit as well. Again, imagine it when the grass is done growing.
After getting it done, we discovered our back yard wasnt as level as we thought. I ended up having to make 3 steps as well. Anyone know what to put in between them to lock them together and prevent weeds from growing? 
Next up was tackling the weed problem back by the trees. For those of you that dont know, we have a "nature preserve" behind us, complete with 2 sets of train tracks, and a nice view of the flour mill. Not that we dont love watching the train and seeing the trucks go in and out of the flour mill, but we decided to plant three maple trees along the back after we moved in, with a line of shrubs behind them. When they grow to full size, there will be no more view of the train, and hopefully it will cut out some of the sound as well. The gravel was to fill in between the trees and shrubs. Good bye weeds!
Did you spot the fruit tree? (There was one in the wheelbarrow picture). In case you are wondering, we got two kinds of apple and a peach. It is so relieving to finally get the yard to a place where we just have to maintain it, and we have the whole summer to sit back and enjoy it! Sometime we will have a BBQ so you can come enjoy it with us...you know, after the grass finishes growing!
One project down!
We found out we had a few extra chips, so we decided to move the trampoline and put them around that. It was always a pain having to move it to mow the lawn, and now we wont have to! Imagine lush grass around it once it finishes growing!
The next project was going top be getting a new concrete patio poured. I really wanted a place to put a table and our BBQ on. After getting a few price estimates, we decided to go the cheaper route...MUCH cheaper, and just install one with pavers instead. And yes women, I did it mostly myself, again. Please, hold your applause! Ryan did do the hard labor part of digging out all the dirt to make it level, and making many trips to the store and hauling those blocks to the back yard, so lets give him credit as well. Again, imagine it when the grass is done growing.
After getting it done, we discovered our back yard wasnt as level as we thought. I ended up having to make 3 steps as well. Anyone know what to put in between them to lock them together and prevent weeds from growing? 
Next up was tackling the weed problem back by the trees. For those of you that dont know, we have a "nature preserve" behind us, complete with 2 sets of train tracks, and a nice view of the flour mill. Not that we dont love watching the train and seeing the trucks go in and out of the flour mill, but we decided to plant three maple trees along the back after we moved in, with a line of shrubs behind them. When they grow to full size, there will be no more view of the train, and hopefully it will cut out some of the sound as well. The gravel was to fill in between the trees and shrubs. Good bye weeds!
Did you spot the fruit tree? (There was one in the wheelbarrow picture). In case you are wondering, we got two kinds of apple and a peach. It is so relieving to finally get the yard to a place where we just have to maintain it, and we have the whole summer to sit back and enjoy it! Sometime we will have a BBQ so you can come enjoy it with us...you know, after the grass finishes growing! 
5 comments:
I do remember the nature preserve that behind your back yard and the muddy problem..I didn't know how well your projects were underway-but they look great!! I think Zack enjoyed helping....lol!!!Is fun to see all the progress made!!
I want to come over I want to come over... Is it rude to invite myself over? haha
Of course you can come over Elizabeth! (:
Wow, don't show this to my backyard. It might call the cops on me for neglect. Everything looks great! Good job!
Wow awesome job guys!
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