When I say summer, you say patio!

Summer!

Patio!

Summer!

Patio!

What we've been looking forward to more than ever is having people over and utilizing our courtyard/patio area out back to entertain. When we bought the joint, it had a lovely paver patio (weeds included), a pond (or potential hot tub) and a beautiful flowering tree. Once again, inspired by Andy and April, we decided we should rip out the pavers (which were uneven anywho) and lay a nice smooth block of concrete. In the spirit of entertaining, the concrete would be easier to maintain and more level for furniture.

Here are some before pics.... isn't it kind of an "I Spy" type experience? I spy the boarded up window. I also spy the decrepit old AC unit (with a sweet new one installed).

We decided to save on some labor costs and pull up the pavers ourselves (thank you Nick and Abbey starting that party!). Little did we know that there were 2 patios underneath! Top Layer - Layer 1 - pavers. Layer 2 - more pavers. Layer 3 (we assume the original layer) - concrete slab & bricks. What a workout! And a pain.

After digging 14 inches down, we poured gravel. And by pouring, I mean Adam wheeled the gravel from the driveway into the back yard.

Then Adam built a wall with some of the existing stone to make sure we do include some greenery in the back.

Impressed with him yet? I am.

Then some concrete was poured.... and yes, it has a red tint. It may look different, strange, what have you... but we love it. I spy a wooden road runner (see YouTube post, it's an Earl Frederick original). I also spy a fire pit. Give a man some fire and his Friday night is complete. (Thank you Mark and Kaye).

Word to the wise - wait until the end of the season to buy patio furniture. Half off at Lowes!!!

Check the grill, it's beautiful and a wonderful house warming present from Debbie and Randy! With a grill set from Grandma and Grandpa. Thank you, thank you!

Adam, the lighting guru, also put lights into the ground. Who does that? It's pretty genius and looks sweet in the evening.

Old light fixture. It's not so bad... but it's kind of old and moldy.

Had to do something new!

Come party on our patio anytime! We're ready for ya!