Oooo-Patti-ooooo

Save, budget, build.

For my birthday, 1 month ago, my wonderful husband rented a sod cutter. He said he had never sweated so much for a birthday gift.

Patrick cut up the best grass in the whole yard.

The kids pulled roots...

And did who knows what while Patrick & I were outside sweating!

If you are wondering, he is a tiger. See the stripes on his arms? I had to ask, I was thinking more "Incredible Hulk".

Then they found fun things to do outside too...

And after much sweat, digging, tilling, sawing, hammering, shoveling (all from my husband),

we had this...

meanwhile, Erin found another  victim friend

The big day arrived, exactly one month after the "ground breaking". I don't know if I was more excited or the kids to see the concrete mixer at our house!

These guys were the best, and took no time at all!

The next day, it was set enough to finally put the patio furniture ON THE PATIO!

Now don't think, what an unattractive slab of concrete. See all that dirt around the border? Think, "tropical, flowery oasis!" What? Don't see it? Well, I'll be sure to show you when it happens!

Thanks to my wonderful husband, who worked SO hard on this. Even if he thinks it's too hot to sit out there, we have had breakfast, snacks & played Go Fish. I love it!