The first phase of our deck construction consisted of measuring, remeasuring, and digging and digging and digging. Ultimately, we dug 5 holes that are 3 feet deep and about 1 foot in diameter. These holes were filled with cement and serve as a sturdy foundation for the posts. The original deck that came with the house (shown above) also had deep dark holes, however they had never been filled with cement. Hmmm… ??? Instead, the posts hovered over the holes seemingly weighless, as the deck slowly peeled away from the house (obviously, NOT so safe). Thus, we began the construction of a NEW and improved, super cool deck!

While Brent and his family cheered on the Royals, Alyssa and the kids spent the day playing with Uncle Joel and Aunt Kate. We visited the neighborhood park, where we enjoyed watching the kids explore and listening to the hilarious conversations between 3 year old Maddox and the 10 year old “big kids” playing “Fort” on the jungle gym.

This is Kate blogging, by the way. Blogging for the first time. We’ll just see if we can’t keep all y’all better updated.

See more pictures of Easter in Wichita with the cousins.

Figuring that Alaska wasn’t enough traveling, as soon as we got back to Kansas City we drove to Wichita for an Easter celebration with Kate’s cousins. About 5 minutes after we arrive at her grandparent’s farm (lovingly referred to as Richerra), Kate goes and bumps her head on the side entrance to the quonset. Blood dripping from her head, we drive my shaken wife to the emergency room to get 7 stitches on the seventh day of April, 2007 (and promptly leave the ER at 7pm).

For those who want to see the stitch work, check it out here.

Here’s a video from our hike up Verstovia.