New Backyard

As many of you know, the house we live in is actually owned by my parents. They bought it 3 1/2 years ago as an investment property because it was a great time to buy. Wade and I pay the mortgage, make sure there are good renters for the basement, and take care of upkeep on the yard and house so we can help increase its value. Wade and his dad have spent countless hours remodeling the basement and making other improvements on the house. Although it doesn't look like it, the grass in our front yard was quite patchy because of the roots growing up from the ground of this huge evergreen tree. We liked that the tree provided some shade, but we didn't like that it interfered with the power lines as well as the mess the pine needles made. The tree in the backyard was similar, so one of my dad's clients cut them down a year ago. Then we had to pay for the stump to be removed. But these ginormous roots were still everywhere throughout the yard, so it was impossible to dig trenches and try to prepare a sprinkler system and plant new trees, bushes, and grass, until those roots were gone.

So back in June, Wade' friend, Sean, brought his skid-steer tractor and went to town, digging up all the roots in the front yard and in the backyard.

When it was parked, Jonathan wanted to be a big boy and help. How cute is that?

We were really grateful for the help from Austin, our brother-in law, and Frank, Wade's dad. They all worked together on the yard, including digging a 4-foot deep hole so they could cut into the main water line and put in a stop-and-waste, which would allow the new sprinkler system to function.

Jon bonding with Grandpa Reed

Backyard before: This is where our renters used to park their cars. Now they just park on the cement.

Before the backyard was finished, my cousin, Carolynn, gave us this great play gym. The kids loved it, but kept skinning their knees on the cement. We were so anxious to lay the sod so they could have grass to play on.

Last month, Wade layed the sod. He looked especially smokin' hot that day!

As you can see, Emily and Jonathan were a tremendous help with the project. ;)

Tada! Our new backyard! We are so excited that our kids have a nice place to play now. We can't wait till we have enough time and money to finish the front yard, too.