The deck

I've got a lot of catching up to do, but might as well start with what's fresh - this past week Dan took advantage of having time off and of having my dad in town and built a deck to replace the nasty patio in our backyard. It is AMAZING and we know we're going to get soooo much use out of it.

 Before

The guys worked HARD and LONG, but were able to finish it in just four days.  I love it that Dan can build stuff (so manly) and am thankful for all my dad's hard work to help him.  All week long they (well, mostly my dad - the old man) said that 'pain was just a state of mind', but once it was completed they (he) admitted to some (minor) soreness.

 

 Day 1 - Demolition

 

Day 2 - It's a floating deck built on these concrete blocks.  It was quite a job to get it all level

Day 3/4 - Deck all squared up and supported, now it's time to put the decking on top and build the stairs and bench (note how the patio got placed back inside the deck)

Woo hoo!  All done - complete with new deck furniture

(We've even already had our first deck party!)

 

Proud dada

Our 'elper'