Thursday, July 10, 2008

Smores Anyone?

As I mentioned, we have been busy having fun, but our summer hasn't been all play. We have been working hard too. Tonight we completed one project on our long to-do list - our new patio!

The back corner of our yard was an eye sore. It had three bushes, two of which had died, and it was full of nasty, ugly lava rock. If you don't think lava rock is nasty and ugly then you are not normal. So, we tore out the dead bushes, removed the lava rock, planted a tree, made everything nice and level and constructed a cobble stone patio.

I absolutely LOVE the way it all turned out. Isn't it wonderful when your "vision" turns out the way you envisioned it! And I am totally taking credit for the "vision". But I can't take credit for the whole thing. It was my idea and I did do a good chunk of work (I am not afraid to get down and dirty!), but Brian did the majority of the manual labor. I also must thank my dad for his advice, the use of his molds, and for getting us started off right. I can't wait to sit at my table during the day and sip lemonade or build a fire at night and roast a hot dog. Anyone is welcome to come on over and sit with me! I have all the fixins for smores!

The only bad part about this whole thing is that we aren't planning on living here forever. This spot will be really nice in about 10 years, when the tree gets big enough to provide more shade. Hopefully future residents will enjoy and appreciate the fruits of our labor!

17 comments:

The Lund Five said...

Looks like fun!! You can count me in for S'mores. I love them and I don't think I have had them yet this summer. Just let me know when and I will be there!!!

Erica said...

Jamie, that looks AWESOME! I need something like that in my yard. I think i'll show Jason. It looks so good and if I lived closer I'd take you up on the offer for smores. Great job!!!

Amber said...

Wow that looks amazing!

Monica Lifferth said...

Wow Jame! That looks fabulous! You two did a great job! It's beautiful! What a perfect little spot to watch the kiddos running around playing. Definitely makes your backyard more inviting.

whitney said...

I LOVE it! What a fun idea. Seeing things like that makes me want to own a house and do fun things. It turned out great!

rsheedy said...

No fair...I want a yard! It turned out awesome; you guys did a great job!

The Carter Family: said...

I LOVE it!! Do you hire out? You are welcome to come down and do my yard ANYTIME!!! It is amazing and it sure turned out great!!!

Melissa said...

Let me join the crowd by affirming that, yes, this does look stellar. Nicely done.

Crazy Lifferths said...

Looks awesome!

Sandi said...

It is beautiful! I know how much work you and Brian must have put into that.We are ready for smores whenever you are.

Jamie said...

Love it, looks so great! I ♥ manual labor backyards, it maks you appreciate it that much more.

Princess said...

What a GREAT place to read! Love it! Wish I could come share smores with you! Tell Brian he looks great! Love you!

Mike and Meg said...

Jamie, It looks great! You will have to show Jeani and Max! My parents would love it!

All About M.E.('s) said...

Good job Smiley's! It does look like a fabulous place to read. Maybe I'll come over later this week and read on your nice patio while you watch my kids. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha-just kidding, but it really does look nice. Can't wait to see it in person.

The Simmons Family said...

You guys did a great job with the patio. I don't know that I could tackle a concrete job myself. I'm impressed. Enjoy many summer night with your family out there!

Hokanson Family said...

It was so fun to see you last night! your kids are so sute!

Ashley Rae said...

Wow- you guys did a great job!! That is fantastic!