Home Improvements

So, many family members have been asking just what do Mark's parents do when they are out here in California visiting us. We'll, I decided to show a little slide show on one of the major projects we did this year. This project started in October of last year and was finished in June of this year. Mark worked on it in spurts, when he had some time off from his usual crazy schedule (i.e. light research rotations).

Here goes!

Pic #1: what our back yard used to look like: Note, the lack of fence and lots of grass weeds invading the garden. Where Mark and our neighbor are standing will be a new sand box soon.


Pic #2: The new sand box frame, a retaining wall made of railroad ties















Pic #3: Everything covered with weed barrier fabric.















Pic #4: The first part of the deck framed.
















Pic #5: Floor boards going on!











Pic #6: Fast forward 6 months - second part of the deck (on the other side of the sand box) dug out and covered with weed barrier.




Pic #7: 2 months later and the deck is framed, floorboards are down, the steps are done and the railing is complete!

Pic #8: Here is the view of the first deck (from the second deck)










So there you have it! Our little backyard oasis! Do you think the next owner of this house will appreciate how much hard work, sweat, and time went into this project? We will be sad to leave here in a year.