It's FINISHED! Our backyard oasis is finally complete after a year's worth of projects!

The final piece of the puzzle came together the evening before my first Thirty-One party, so I was able to entertain the guests on the patio surrounded by the serene sound of the water fountain. Hubs did such a great job, and he did it on one of the hottest afternoons of the year. He's so proud of it, and he should be! It's the perfect finishing touch to our relaxing, inviting backyard.

Featuring flagstone rock and surrounded by egg rock and fresh landscaping plants, the pond and fountain are now the centerpieces of our backyard. I can't wait to lie in the hammock this fall and listen to the fountain of water.

Let's take a trip down memory lane. Here's the last year's worth of DIY, built-by-Hubs projects that led to our new backyard retreat. Enjoy!


 The first plans were drawn up for what we thought was just going to be a pergola and deck.

The first pillar was set...no turning back now!

Halfway finished with the pergola!

Finishing and staining the pergola!


After a break for a Kenny Chesney concert on the beach in Orange Beach, Alabama, Hubs and bro-in-law laid the deck!

We furnished it, and it was complete! Or so we thought...

Inspired by our recent beach vacation, I envisioned having my own backyard beach with a fire pit (adirondack chairs, sand, umbrellas...the works). It started with this boardwalk that would eventually lead out to it.

Then, we completed the beach (minus the crashing waves)!

With the end in sight – and me nearly 8 months pregnant – Hubs got to work on the landscaping.
Then, we decided to trade in our table-and-chair set for a custom-built (by Hubs) outdoor bar!

We finally finished the landscape after putting it off for two months due to record flooding and the arrival of our sweet Bryson. Then, we were able to give our backyard the perfect finishing touch: A pond and water fountain! The sound of water is so relaxing, and it fits our backyard perfectly!

Thanks for following along the last year as we turned our backyard into a place we LOVE to hang out – no matter how hot it is! Little Bryson also loves it out there!

Until the next project... XOXO