The Backyard Project

Over the past 2 years, Jerry has been battling the backyard.  Whether it be grass, flooding, or dirt... the backyard has constantly been on my Jerr Bear's mind. For awhile, I considered having Jerry see a backyard therapist or even calling one of those shows on the DIY channel.  Every weekend I would catch Jerry looking at the backyard with hope... I'm not going to lie, I thought the backyard was a losing battle. 

But after this weekend.... the VICTORY GOES TO JERRY!   

Maybe I should travel back in time so you can get the full extent of Jerry's obsession... I mean hard work:

Summer 2009- Jerry laid sod- it did not take- our backyard is just too shady

February 2010- Jerry tilled up the backyard and laid seed for grass

March 2010- GRASS!  We finally have grass!

March 2010- Adventures of French Drains- Jerry decided we needed a French Drain.  At first I was very hesitant....but after seeing the french drain in action--- Jerry was right, we really did need it

April 2010- We hired some guy to cut our trees back so there would be more sunshine in the backyard- he also fixed our sprinklers.

May 2010- Pavers

Over the past couple of weekends, my Dad and Jerry have been hard at work putting down these pavers.  First they put down a frame:

Next they put down sand:

Then they put some stones down: 

The last step was to rent this vibrating machine that mushes the stones into the sand so the stones won't move:

Finished product:

My dad and Jerry worked so hard on the backyard.  It was so hot!  I'm especially proud of Jerry, he has worked and worked to make our backyard a beautiful place!  Maybe this will take his mind off the backyard... I doubt it... I can tell he's already thinking of the next little project he wants to do in the backyard. 

Also, we my dad's crew put in a new dog run in our backyard. 

The dogs are not big fans-- We told the dogs it was their very own "Puppy Spa" but they are acting like it is a Puppy Prison.  The dogs have already learned how to escape the Puppy Prison... I mean Spa.  They have learned if they hit their noses on the latch, the door will open and they are free!  Crazy dogs... we have to put sticks in the latch so they can't open it!  Also, Lucy just stands by the gate and jumps up and down.  I think she thinks that she can jump over the fence.  She probably could if she lost 10 pounds and got a running start.  Let's hope she doesn't figure that out. 

The backyard still needs some work, but we are getting closer.  I think I'll but this weekend down as a win for Jerry!