Expanding the Exterior

We have always hated our back patio.  Ever since we moved in.  With a passion.

It was so small that we couldn't even put a table back there.  And don't even get me started on the nasty French door that would ALWAYS stick.  We would have to use both hands and a knee to close that stupid door.  

  Our dream has always been to blow out a wall, add a door, and build a deck in the backyard.  We decided to be a little more practical, use the space we already had, and just expand the back patio.  Once we had a plan in place, Scott immediately got to work.

He decided it was too big of a job for just him and called for reinforcements.  Dave and Josh happily obliged.....even in the rain.

Finally, three days later, it was finished!

Please notice the beautiful new door that slides open and shut without any cajoling. 

And my new built-in planter.  I could sing the praises of this box all day long!  It makes me feel like now I actually have a chance to be a gardener!

Look at my cute little garden.  We have already picked and eaten one crookneck squash and it was delicious!  What a far cry it is from two years ago and my lone tomato plant in a sad little pot.  (If you can't remember that pitiful plant, click here).

We are enjoying the backyard so much more now!  We have eaten breakfast, lunch, and dinner out there almost every day for the past month, and Scott and I love to sit in the shade and laugh at the kids as they jump on the tramp.  What a difference a few bricks makes!