Monday, July 13, 2009

Our backyard

I've been promising pictures of our redone backyard for a long time, so here you have it.
[Drumroll, please....]

Here is Michael with a jack hammer tearing out our old, pitiful cement block.  He was really excited to do this project not only because he got to put in his dream patio, but because he got to use lots of big tools and machines.

Like this bobcat.  And Keagan being our little man's man was right there wherever his dad and all the tools were.  Here they are clearing away the rubble from the old patio and other places in the yard.  Notice the work gloves, work boots, and ear protection, just like his dad.

Then he framed out the new curved patio.  We can't have anything so plain as a rectangle one.  Where's the fun in that?


This is the cement truck with the "boom" that pumped the cement over the house and into the back yard.  Michael was fascinated with this one.  He said it made the job 100 times easier using that than having to wheelbarrow and shovel it back there!


Here is the work in progress.  One is smoothing the cement and the other is following behind doing the stamp work.  Michael was helping do the finishing work, but these guys were so efficient he ended up just being in the way.  So he made me proud and got lots of pictures!


Here is the finished product...almost!


And this is after Michael put the color wash and antiquing on it.  And of course he beautified it by adding huge pots and planting flowers.  No detail left undone.
Honey, you did a great job with our new patio!  And of course thanks to those who came and helped.  My brother Kimball was here as was our friend Matt.  Thanks guys!