basement/backyard project

 we have started the basement/backyard project.  the HVAC guy has been here all week starting that portion in the basement, and the contractor will start next week.  

we also need to get the backyard hardscaping portion in the backyard finished so renters have an entrance.  we had a few people come out and give us estimates, and after the lowest one came in at $30,500, we decided this was a project we needed to tackle ourselves.  we're putting in a patio, tiered retaining wall that will double as garden beds, and a walkway.  we went to a few places to find the most cost-effective material that we liked.  the boys and i spent at least 2 hours at this rock place on monday.  we ended up not going with their product, but the boys sure loved making rock slides on the displays.

after a long day out and about, we stopped at the duck park.  it was still warm enough that the entire duck family and aunts, uncles, and cousins were still there.  

a cold snap moved in yesterday.  all our materials were dropped off from a couple different places yesterday and the day before.  even though it was windy and drizzly, the boys were outside climbing all over the gravel and dirt for a couple hours (the unstable flagstones and pallets of retaining wall blocks were off limits).  david is taking all next week off, so we're planning on cranking out this project!