Just Like New (Sort Of)

Well, we've had a lot going on both inside and outside our house. Since we hope to live here for a while, we decided now is the time to do improvements (or start them) so we can enjoy them for many years to come. We have started working on the backyard. There is still a lot to do but it has come a long way:

BEFORE (yuck!):

AFTER:

I know it is hard to see with the glare, but we have put in some pavers, and added bark to the berm. There are some leftover weeds to kill on the berm, and some plants to plant, but it's already more fun to be out there. When we finish the basement it will be even easier (and more pleasant) to access the yard and a fun place for Jack to play.

Also, when we moved in we knew the paint would have to be updated eventually. We had to have the roof replaced the year we moved in, but this year, the paint really couldn't wait much longer. We went kind of crazy-bold with the new colors, but they didn't turn out as "see it from space" as we wondered when he was in the middle of painting.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

It is our house now, that's for sure. We really like it. And I guess it doesn't matter too much what other people think. But to put it in perspective, there are yellow, olive green, baby blue, and even a bright orange house in our subdivision. So we aren't that out of place!!

Our next project is finishing our basement so we have room for guests and/or more kids. We are almost ready to start, and just need to finish emptying what is in there, get our permits, and finish up the details of our contract. We hope to be done by Thanksgiving, or Christmas at the latest.

Have a great day!