"Professionals"

Planning

There are a lot of heroes in this tale of weekend warriors, so we must start by thanking everyone for their help. We couldn’t have gotten this done without Mom and Dad, our neighbors, and their friend Mike. Our yard would still be inhabitable if it weren’t for all of their help.

The terraces are being formed.

It all began on and unusually warm spring Friday at the Moody house. The Scott parents showed up at the house after a making the long journey from Meeteetse. Colin and Dad went and got the equipment right away. All of the needed tools were at the house by 4:00, so there was a lot of daylight that we just couldn’t see wasting. No one was sure where to start or what to do with the hill on the side of our yard. So, it all began with demo. That is the most fun anyway.

Hanging out with Grandma.

After tearing out the existing terraces, Dad and Colin began to create a system of new terraces. There was a lot of dirt moved, some of it was even moved multiple times, but the terraces were finished after 3 trips to Home Depot and a lot of sweat. I don’t think Colin will want to dig another post hole for a long time.

finished terraces

looking down our new steps.

That night was too much fun, so the next morning came fast. There was a lot more work to get done, so that couldn’t slow us down. Colin and Dad finished the terraces Saturday and Sunday (the days started to run together), at least down to the patio level. Then they built one more terrace on the other side of the yard. But, there was so much dirt that needed to be taken away it was going to be super expensive to take it to the dump and very time consuming too. So, I called around to find someone that could possibly need fill dirt. Finally in a moment of desperation I ran over to ask the neighbors if they knew anyone that would need some dirt. A friend of theirs, Mike, stepped forward and offered to take it. He used the trailer we rented and took 5-6 loads of dirt (we lost count) out to his house. He has some major holes out at his that need to be filled. It saved us so much time we can’t thank him enough. Then Dad put some of the dirt over the fence for the neighbors to use.

Jason even got in on the excitement of moving dirt. At first he was afraid of the skid steer , but after some persuasion from Mom and Colin he would ride in it. He even tried to take the controls over.

There is nothing like a pile of dirt.

major dirt moving.

Then we dug out under the deck and began to level with rakes. There was a lot of shovel work their, but with a lot of us working it went fast. Mom even got in on the shoveling. She can move some dirt in a short period of time. Some might say she is a shovel master.

Colin and I went to Home Depot and got some pavers for the patio on Sunday evening too. Those haven’t been installed yet, but our yard is a work in progress.

A good start at a pile.

This morning Dad and I brought the equipment back and then seeded and fertilized the yard. Hopefully it will come up fast. We can’t wait to have everyone over now. We now have a yard that isn’t full of garbage, dog poop, and debris. No one has to be afraid of it anymore. Thanks again everyone for your help. I will post pictures of the yard as we get more done too. If you want to see the true transformation you should look back at my older post labeled “How do people live like that?” It is a huge difference. Also, happy belated Mothers Day to you moms out there.

our new patio spot.