Playtime outside

Finally........here is the debut of our backyard renovation. It has come along nicely and I will definitely keep you updated as things happen. Ok no more chatter and his is what we did!

When we purchased the house it only had the two foot slab for the patio and that's it! So we were trying to figure out what we wanted to do. Pavers it was. We are sooo happy with the way it came out. It only took two days and the workers were great! This was one project we are not capable of fully DiYing......yet ;)

Here is our little model with a progress update!

They had to use cement blocks to make the patio level. Which took longer than actually laying the pavers. 

And voila we have a patio!! So of course we had to run out and get some furniture. I wanted something natural looking and neutral toned. I found this table and seating at Ikea. I fell in LOVE!!! Chris and I ran out and bought it the day after the patio was finished. So this was our DIY portion of the patio because of course we had to put it together. I picked up those ceramic lanterns and starry string lights at target. They were on clearance so it made them an even better purchase. 

The first week we had the patio it was of course the RAINIEST week in about a month. This picture was before we put the umbrella up as I was searching long and hard for a base. Apparently, since it was September all outdoor furniture and accessories were removed from stores. Not cool people it's still 100° out!

Oh yeah then we had this "little" visitor. There are about 4-5 iguanas that live in my neighbors palms and sometimes they venture into my yard for a little lunch. I guess this guy needed some sunning after his feast......

We are only about 75% complete. There are still things that need to be competed:

- stain the original slab between the house and pavers

  (we are thinking the tan neutral color similar to the pavers)

- stain the cement blocks under the pavers

  (same color as slab)

- add shrubs to the edge of the pavers closest to the water and along the fence you see above

- change outdoor light fixtures

- add a nice barbecue section for our grill outs

- add a seating/lounge area with a firepit 

These things are coming soon so we can move on from the backyard project and on to the other thousands of things we have on our list. You know the never ending homeowner's list!

I think it's safe to say we are all loving this new added living space.  And it's exciting because we will be able to enjoy it all year long!

Oh to be little again ;)