Temps over 100 degrees with humidity? No problem for Scott. He's on a mission. We finally threw out all the quotes we were given by different companies for various types of material decks and got in touch with a family member's friend who was more than willing to help teach Scott the ropes of doing it himself. Considering this would cut the cost by more than half, we were all for it. Plus, Scott loves being Mr. Handy Man around the house. And let's be honest. Candy Crush and Ancient Aliens need a rest.
Step 1: Rip out all of the bricks we had laying down and pull up the grass. The only before picture I could find of the area with bricks from last summer. Clearly, I don't like to photograph this section of our yard...hence the need for a deck.
Step 2: Level the soil and dig holes for the foundation beams to be put in.
Apparently, playing in the holes is quite fun. Especially when it stalls and prolongs bedtime because mommy has to run in and get her camera.
Step 3: Have the materials delivered from Lowe's. This was a highlight for Sean as he got to watch a big truck come right to our house and watch a forklift drop the materials.
Another hour or two moving each beam of wood into the garage overnight until Scott's ready to get started on the foundation tomorrow morning.
I cannot wait until this project is finished! It has been something we've wanted since we moved in two years ago next month and it will really allow us to enjoy the backyard a bit more since we can finally put our lounge chairs out, buy some patio furniture, and plant flower beds around the deck. I'm envisioning family dinners on the patio next summer with the boys already!
As if working on this project isn't enough, we're still dead-set on selling Scott's Charger and leasing a Town and Country mini-van. We've posted his car on AutoTrader and we've parked it at a local elementary school that gets a lot of traffic that drives by it. Tonight, I'm posting it on CraigsList. We have one guy who is going to do a test-drive this week and my fingers are crossed we're able to sell it for more than the trade-in value as it would pay for the materials of the deck with the extra cash. Either way, it's a win-win to get rid of the Charger. We can use the money to pay off what little we owe on the Jeep, get us into a larger, safer car, and get into a way lower monthly payment on only one car. Hallelujah!
In the meantime, I'm trying to relish in the last month or so of summer before we're back to school and daycare full time. The boys have been keeping me on my toes, that's for sure. My lower back is sore, I'm exhausted, and I have a whole new appreciation for stay-at-home moms. But, seeing these smiles is what really keeps me going. Today, we conquered the hands on museum while Scott worked at home and tomorrow, we're off to the zoo! We are so ready for this upcoming week of temps in the 80's! Although, I have to admit. I've enjoyed the need for going to splash park, the rec center pools, and even our kiddie pool in the back yard every day to cool down...
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