Graduation party loooming!

We built our deck about 10 years ago and what started out as something to cover our little concrete patio on the back of the house when we purchased it turned into a massive deck that spans nearly the length of our back yard. (That was my older brother's brilliant idea.)

About 4 years ago, King County Ramp-a-Thon chose our home for installation of ramps and a concrete path to provide emergency access for our physically disabled daughter. Since that time, we'd been trying to work with the State on installation of some deck railings so it would be safe for her use. They've denied our requests for the past 3 years. To that end, she spends little to no time enjoying outside, and neither do we in lieu of spending time with her.

Our baby has decided she wants a party at our house (with a growing guest list of 75+). Well, there's no way that many are going to fit inside, so outside we go! We have 2 months to build the pergola, deck railing, dad's cook area, a double chaise chair, hang a swing and fix up the yard.

I'm proud to say that my husband has rocked the start this weekend! He and Papa bought all the supplies on Saturday night and on Sunday afternoon they installed all of the support beams and enclosed that side of our deck! I was amazed at the progress! He'll be working next weekend to complete the pergola and then wait for a sunny day to paint it white.

Next we'll design the outdoor BBQ area of his dreams (on a budget) and construct the chaise DIY project.

Bunkhouse neeeearly done!

Our little group completed 97% of the bunkhouse this past weekend and I'm super excited to see that 8-month project completed. We laughed and laughed and laughed because that's what we do when we work together.

The total cost of renovating the bunk house from a storage shed to a functional room that sleeps 4-5 people/kids was $60. We used recycled wood, wood from under the deck at our Kent home, decking from Papa's neighbor and the useless decorative bridge on our CB property, wood my old employer recycled from his family's Cashmere farm ... you name it. It went to make the bunks a line the walls. It's all been whitewashed and cleaned up for company!

The steps still need a bit of work, but it was a great recycled find by Dave from Second Used in Seattle. He paid $25 for this great chunk of wood! All we need to do is cut some 2X6, stain them dark and screw them to each step. A curtain for the window and some cord maintenance.

I'm so happy it's done.

We only have a door to install, padlock for another door, a little spot painting in the house and we're ready to rock and roll.