A yard transformed

Goal #1: prevent further flooding into our basement

Goal #2: nix the 2 year old sandbags lined up neatly and growing into the ivy on the side of our house

Goal #3: make our yard look even better

With the expertise and vision of our good friend and landscaper, Carl, we were finally able to tackle the water shed problems we've had since moving into our lovely home on 12th St. Almost two years ago, just months after moving in, we had a huge rain storm, causing massive amounts of water to flow down the slope next to us like a river. The water flooded our basement and unfortunately many other homes were affected as well. Kimberly (all the kids luckily slept through it all) was here with us to experience sloshing through water downstairs and helping the Bellevue Fire Dept. move our belongings upstairs to dry ground. Following that flood of 2007, we proceded to install new carpet, stack up sandbags as a precaution, and purchase flood insurance, which was helpful and reassuring, but was not a permanent fix. So this has been a long time coming and we are so thankful...here is what has happened to our yard in the past few weeks.

Adam and best friend Sam "test driving" the track hoe.

Ainsley doesn't get cheated...go girl!

Side view #1

#2

#3

#4

Side view from the back deck looking toward the front #1

#2

#3

Front view #1

#2

#3

We think it's beautiful. And perfect timing...we've had rain since the day they finished.

Thank you Carl and crew for the fabulous job!

We love it.

And thank you to our favorite neighbors, the Northey's, for joining us on this project...we hope you love it from your side, too.

Stay tuned for the next phase...adding plants, flowers, and a gate...planned for Spring 2010 if not sooner.