Remember our property and that old barn Ryan is putting up?
No? I don’t blame you. I haven’t updated in a while.
Back in June, Ryan was working on getting this big old barn taken apart. Which was a bit of a challenge. He finally got it disassembled and moved all the materials to our property. That was a project in itself, because there was a LOT of wood in that barn. I thought I took a picture of all the piles of boards, but I guess I didn’t. Shame on me. Here it is coming down in June.
As you can see, Henry and I were a huge help. ๐ (I love this picture so much.)
Well, progress is again being made and Ryan is hopeful that the barn will be up by winter. (Crossing fingers.)
Over the weekend, concrete was poured by Ryan and our friends and family (Thanks going out to both our dads, my brother, friends Dave and Pam and Ryan’s friend Jon. Couldn’t have done it without you guys.)
A few folks had already left by the time I got to the property to document the progress. But, this will have to do.
Henry was a huge help.
This is the third garage/barn floor that Ryan’s poured. It turned out REALLY nice. It’s so exciting to see something being built on the land. This is before he used the power trowel.
Trust me, when it was done, it was smooth as butta.
Ryan and my father-in-law dreamed up a little way to stamp Henry’s initials into the concrete, which turned out really neat. I’m a little teary just looking at it. This is right inside where the entry will be, so we’ll be reminded of how little he was when we built every time we go into the barn.
How cool is that?
The plan is to get the barn up this year and then build a nice deck on it next year. The view is so awesome and we don’t plan to build a home for a few years. This is a wonderful way to make use of the land, set up our grill and patio set and hang out. There’s no reason we can’t hang out for barbeques, fireworks and more.
Can’t wait.
We’ll just ignore the fact that there’s no water or electricity. Who needs it?
I’m a happy girl. This little piece of land is a true dream come true for us.
So, that’s what’s happening at the property. If you are interested in seeing what’s on my mind for building, check out my Built it board on Pinterest.
Can you believe that view?
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Allie Beauchesne says
Just happened upon your blog. This is amazing!! So excited for you and your little family to be building just what you want. And yes–that view. Wowzers.
Congrats!
Michelle @ Ten June says
Hello, y’all are building a BARN?! Talk about taking DIY to the next level! You guys rock. And you’re totally right, that view is beautiful. Invite me over for a cookout! Well, maybe after you get running water…. ; )
Kelly @ Corner of Main says
That is an amazing view! It’s so nice to think you will look at that every day in the future =)
AlliFerg says
You have such a handy husband. I love the initials on the barn. I had something like under my room’s wallpaper at my parents. Such a treasure to find it when I was taking the paper off in middle school. I took a picture before we painted, but Henry will have this forever!
Amy@BuffaloRoam says
Man, this is just so cool. We paid off our land before we broke ground on the house, and that took about a year. And during that year, we would go out there, sit, dream, have a bonfire, walk, wander. Good times. So much fun to have such a big thing to look forward to!
Jordan@the2seasons says
Wow this is going to be fun to watch. You all have some great family pictures with Henry and he will love that big chalkboard one day when he is older. When I was young I had a huge chalkboard in my playroom and I was always by that chalkboard drawing etc.
Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says
Love the carving of Henry’s initials into the foundation, so sweet!
And your property is AMAZING! What a gorgeous view!
Mrs. 5C says
Awww! I got all sappy over the initials, too. ๐ Love it. ๐ Such a gorgeous piece of land. ๐
Martina says
Getting the foundation done is a big step! from here it will just be re-assembly ๐
The Atwoods says
How sweet that you carved Henry’s initials in the foundation! What a memory, and what a sweet thing you’ll have to share with him when he’s older. I’m sure he’ll love it!
Emily says
I’m really excited about this barn! Love love the initials for Mr. Henry, too.
Leah says
this is lovely. so many personal touches on what will someday be “the old homestead”. Love it!
Oonafey says
You have a charmed life, girl.
Jane Doe says
I went back and read your post about purchasing the land. It’s beautiful and I don’t blame you for being so excited about it! I especially liked how excited you were to have a creek; that would be me! I’ve told my husband for years that I’d love to have a big old house on a property with a babbling brook. That hasn’t happened for me though, so I’ll just enjoy your pictures! I think it’s wonderful that you and Ryan are preserving a piece of history with the old barn. Looking forward to lots of blogs about this!
Gabbi @ Retro Ranch Reno says
SO cool! And I adore that you stamped Henry’s initials into the entryway. That will be such a sweet reminder. ๐
DecorandtheDog says
Oh the initials. Smart thinking!!
Jo says
I love that you’ve put Henry’s initials in the foundation!
This is such an awesome piece of property, no doubt you are going to spend many happy times here.
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
Wow, what a view!! LOVE the stamped initials, Kim. ๐
Rachel says
That is awesome! You’re making me miss Iowa. Stop it. (And you have no idea how much it makes my day whenever I see Henry in his hat! I’m so glad you guys are using it and that it looks so darling on him! He’s such a handsome boy.)
Liz @ It's Great To Be Home says
I can’t get over how beautiful it is there!! Just amazing. I love that this is going to be such a sentimental, family home for you one day – such a dream!
Kristi says
How fun that you now have something you have built on your property! And what a gorgeous property it is, too! I bet it is hard not to be living out there already.
Vel Criste says
Wow, what a huge project! At least your STILL making progress!!! I agree with Henry’s pic – Love that, you should display that one, a true keeper. ๐ I’m trying to get estimates on re-doing our ugly fireplace, hope we can get that done soon! Have a nice day!