Is This Done Yet??

We started with a great idea (my idea since we moved in 2 years ago, but didn't want to push until I got my deck stairs) to put a patio below our deck so we would have more room outside to entertain, play with Cooper, etc. I thought it would be simple to dig out the grass and lay flagstones. Was I WRONG! Randy decided that since we're doing the patio we should dig underneath the deck, lay gravel, and enclose for extra storage - another great idea! But after a day my hands hurt from digging out all the CLAY that plagues North Liberty's soil. Nothing like throwing your dirt into the back of a truck, only to have it STICK to your shovel because it's not just dirt - what fun :) Our last 3 Saturdays have been devoted to our project and I'm happy to say we have made progress. The dirt is gone, replaced with gravel under the deck, the grass has been removed and the patio is (almost) done. Stones are now set but there are a few joint issues to deal with. Here are some pics of our adventures in the backyard courtesy of our fab neighbor, Molly. (Who was also nice enough to bring us out SODA and CAKE in the middle of a hot, humid day.) I'll post a final picture when it all looks beautiful and I'm hoping that will be soon :)

Poor Cooper was a pretty good sport through all of this. We let him crawl around in the mud/sand until he couldn't take it any more and was ready for a nap (halleluja).