Our patio

After Shawn and I got over the shock of the length and intensity of our first summer in Texas, we started dreaming about what to do with our backyard so that we could better enjoy the outdoors as the weather allowed.  Each year the first drop in temperature would reopen an ongoing conversation about gutting our make-shift patio and putting a concrete one in its place.   It took us some time to gather the monetary resources we needed to get the project underway but earlier this spring we finally broke ground.  

Nicole watching the old patio being taken out. 

The patio we inherited with the house was equal parts rocks and indoor tile.  The rocks had become a very popular rest area for the plethora of feral cats who live in our neighborhood.  The kids loved spotting the cats slinking through the backyard, but Shawn and I knew that the increasing amount of waste hidden amongst the rocks was attracting a lot of unnecessary flies.  I was the most excited to see the rocks dug up and could hardly believe my eyes when the whole thing was gone and ready to be re-made.   

Ready for the cement to be poured. 

The project took significantly longer than we expected, which I guess is normal in the world of home improvements.  I was anxious to complete the project while we still had cool mornings in the forecast but the kids were content just to be watching the transformation take place.  

Jonah watching the progress on the patio. 

The most exciting day by far was the day the cement mixer came to our house.  We set up a blanket in our front yard and waited for hours for the truck to arrive.  Once it finally pulled up, all the waiting was redeemed and Nicole spent the better part of the afternoon watching that powerful truck mix and pour the cement for our patio.   

Nicole watching the cement mixer arrive at our house.  

When all was said and done we were very happy to have completed the project.  I dreamed of a place where the kids could safely blow bubbles and push their cars around.  I wanted a space where we could comfortably gather and enjoy the outdoors.  A place where toys were easy to access and playing was independent.   At times my hopes for the space felt a little lofty but within days of the project being complete, Nicole would hop down from the breakfast table and ask, "mom, can I play outside? Upon hearing my enthusiastic yes, she would quickly shove on her shoes and recruit Jonah to come with.  Jonah is always a willing companion where Nicole is concerned so I'd watch her usher him out the back door while I cleaned up breakfast in peace.  Cars have been raced, construction sites have been built and there has been an abundance of rainwater to splash in over the last few months.  All in all, our patio has been a great space for our kids to be kids.  

Before (top), After (bottom) 

FYI - Shawn and I are both taking a short hiatus from screens next week so we'll see you back here in two weeks.   I hope your summer is going great! 

Love, 

Erica