Little Projects

First let me introduce our finally-able-to-swing-himself-high 8 year old. Samuel is very proud of this accomplishment!

As the big projects are completed, many little details continue to crop up - some more fun than others.  We buried an underground fence so our pup could have run of the yard.  While Rusty and I dug on our hands and knees, the kids took care of the excess mud...

  

...which prompted us to purchase an outdoor sink that Samuel graciously belly-crawled under the deck to connect to water.  The base is an open-bottom box with river rocks to stand on while rinsing the mud off (Pinterest idea).

We also took a trip to Tractor Supply - gasp - and spent some of our own money - double gasp!  You should have seen the guys face when he came out to load a round hay gate on the mower trailer being pulled by a mini-van with a woman and her two kids!!  Turns out that hay gates are cheaper than climbing systems, and I am VERY proud of this brainstorm.

  

Another natural addition to the kids' playspace was compliments of Charlie G's woodworking stash.  Balance was the original purpose, but the stump slices make great sidewalk chalk boards as well.

 

 Now to the inside.  We had a deep closet with a shallow door in the entryway from the garage/rec room to the kitchen.  Rusty and my dad cut a new door and  at least TRIPLED my pantry space.  WOOHOO for mom!  This might be my favorite project of all.

Before

During        

After

(Well, kind of.  I have to paint and put in shelves.  Will post the finished product later.)

Next week:  all new floors!

Some outside projects close to completion

The last six weeks have almost worn us out, but we are finally able to see progress in the back yard. As of today our fence is complete, the shop is painted and stocked with tools and tool storage, and the deck is only lacking s few details. Of course, IT wasn't useable until we experienced some cooler temperatures! We're still looking forward to Fall.


The deck begins

What we found when we removed the old door.

 

It was so hot we had to put the pergola together wearing gloves!!

No, I didn't cut off any fingers!

  

A little landscaping - in SEPTEMBER - and we'll be finished.

 

 The kids have been amazingly patient as we've dedicated much of our time to these projects. It's a constant dilemma - deciding when to spend our with them, and when to spend our time working for them. Of course this is a daily problem for most parents. Anyway, Samuel and Star have both helped with each task, sometimes willingly and other under great duress! All in all I think the memories of this journey will be more positive than not.

A special thanks goes to Charlie G, Tammy C (who isn't in the pics because she is taking them), and Zach S for their assistance with the deck. With Rusty having to be gone for a whole week in the middle of these particular projects, I couldn't have done it without you all.

  

 
Next phase is the inside floors and adding other elements to the yard.   Oh, and meet our new family member, Chip.

And one last particularly adorable view of the fence and deck step... 

Simon - my nephew - tests out the new hose...