Earlier this spring, we realized that the deck on the back of our house was in serious trouble. Orginally built in 1979, much of it had rotted to the point where the deck had come detached from the house and had sunk 4 inches from it’s original height. Not a good situation. The front porch is in a similar predicament, but that’s a whole other project that will probably need to be done sooner than later.
We offered the job of building a new deck to Paul, because we knew he would do a great job, and because it seemed like a nice opportunity to spend some time with Kim&Paul and Marley here in DSM. Since Paul decided to take the job, he and Kim and Marley arrived here last week Sunday evening and left yesterday afternoon after a job well done. Kim worked quite a few hours on the project too, often during Marley’s naps. Except for yesterday when it drizzled much of the day, the weather was perfect….refreshing cool sunny spring days. We all enjoyed being outdoors and spending time together over a “cause”. A great week!
The old deck just moments before Paul started tearing it out. We had just finished breakfast together-cinnamon rolls/fruit and several cups of coffee
GONE! Kim and Marley and I went to the Jordon Creek Mall for a few hours this morning. When we came back for lunch, the deck was already out.
Demolition Man just before a lunch break. We sat at our patio table which was sitting off-deck of course, towards the back portion of our yard.
Kim working with Paul during Marley's nap. We had a dumpster in our driveway, since we have a simultaneous siding project happening on the side of our house. Much of the wood is rotting there too. Sigh! The dumpster is still in our driveway,, nearly full, until next week when the siding project will also be complete.
After a long nap, Marley was ready to play with stickers for awhile.......
The beginning of a shift from paper to skin. By the time we moved on to the next activity, Marley's face and arms were covered! Mine too.
Meanwhile, Paul went to Home Depot to pick up the new deck materials. He borrowed our neighbor's pick-up truck and backed it right into our back yard to unload.
About to begin construction. First though, a quick break sitting on the new boards. For the deck surface, we decided to use composite material. It's more durable than wood, we won't have to paint it, and most of all, it won't rot over time.
Marley really enjoyed coming up to my office and playing with my marathon medals. She would pick different ones to wear each time we went up there, and liked to pose in front of various marathon posters. Here she is in front of my very favorite poster.
Then she decided to take her medals off for a few minutes and said, "Now this one", which basically meant she wanted me to take a picture of her in front of this poster (Twin Cities Marathon).
Paul continued to make good progress on the deck.
Lloyd helped with the project as much as he could, in the evenings or for a few hours here or there when he was able to get away from work.
Kim and Marley and I took an outing one afternoon to Gateway Market (to buy Paul some goat cheeze), Gray's Lake, and Smokey Row for coffee afterwards. Marley really liked the water at Gray's.
A mother-daughter moment.
"Fly in there, fly in there".
Paul with his Drill-Master.
Finger-painting!
Hmmm....some of Auntie Anne's tactile nature here??????
She really got into this! After about 10 minutes, she said "All done" and wanted to get down. Clean-up took awhile!
Something was really funny here......
And here.
We sang "Elmo's Song" together at least 50 times this week. Or maybe it was more. Marley sings it right on pitch,every single word and intonation.
Final day-building the steps to the deck.
Final clean-up. Thanks so much, Paul (and Kim) for doing such a great job!
And final trip to the new park in our neighborhood (about 1/2 block down the street).
That's a piece of sugar-less watermelon gum in Marley's hand here. She took it to the park with her and carried it around the whole time, with a little lick every now and then.
Kim and Paul and Marley arrived safely back to MI late last night. Since it’s another beautiful day here, we’re planning to grill supper out on the deck tonight. Thanks to Paul and Kim, this deck is so well-built that it will last forever.
We had such a great time.. We agree that is one of the best family trips we have taken yet.. Love you guys and enjoy the deck…
loved all the pics! marley is such a rockstar. love that girl !!