Our Backyard Sanctuary.

When Kevin and I moved into our new house 18 months ago, we agreed that we would take our time working on the yard and house.  Not so much!  We have been working our tails off.  The yard was a blank slate, which was a welcome change after dealing with a yard that somebody else had started in our old house.  Namely the mounds of river rock EVERYWHERE.  Last year we put in the dog kennel, shed, patio and curbing.  Then we worked on adding permabark into the curbed areas. 

As soon as the weather permitted, we were back out there for more!  We stained both our fence and Terrell's fence, put in an RV pad at Terrell's, planted her yard, planted our yard, put in the garden (I am sure I am forgetting something...Kevin will remind me).  Whew!  Are you tired yet?  Here are a few pictures of the finished product.

A view of the back fence from the swing set.

And a view of the back fence from the garden area.

Our first try at gardening.  I am hoping for at least one zucchini, everything else will be a bonus!

 

We have a ton of beautiful perennials in the front yard, but with all of the rock beds I was missing the annuals.  We found a nice little spot outside of the bedroom bay window.  Kendall spent an entire afternoon digging this out and helping me plant.  She is quite a hard worker.  Sidney planted one flower then it was off to more important things like playing.

We moved the wishing well that Uncle Jason made onto the patio and planted some flowers in it.  Historically, every time I have done this Cooper has them pulled out and chewed to shreds within 24 hours.  It has been over a week and she has not touched these or the annuals.  Growing Up?  Hmmm....It has only been 9 years.

The outdoor fireplace and cozy Adirondack chairs.  My husband is quite the outdoor decorator and loved the color these chairs added.  We have some really nice pillows for them (not pictured).

And the final touch...outdoor lanterns for the patio.  It is time to sit back and enjoy now!