I included a few early pictures of the house just to give folks a perspective of what the empty lot looked like. I had always told myself that it really wasn't that big.

Hah! It's fricken' huge - and I've written fricken' huge checks to prove it!

We're really happy with the design and the space we have to use - the built-in BBQ, open area for a table and the path to the fire pit.

The bouldahs, don't forget the bouldahs...<you have to say it like Donkey in Shrek for it to be funny, right Jen?>

It's pretty amazing how different it feels though having a space to be comfortable in - rather than a field of dirt that you hated the kids tracking in every day.

The landscaping company did a great job and the artificial grass (carpet, as they call it) looks even better.

Why artificial turf? Several reasons - One, I got rid of the lawn mower when we moved. Two, I gave away the weed eater when we got here and three, cause it's Arizona-friendly.