Barn Raising

Hi everyone,

The Casanova household has been slowly running out of space and we've been talking for the last couple of years. The garage was getting especially crowded and we now need access to both sides of our cars to put Elsie and Owen in so we definitely need to free up some space. We looked at kits and pre-made sheds and we didn't like what they had to offer so decided to build one ourselves. I found some plans online for a shed that we both liked, took the week off work, made one massive trip to Lowes, and had ourselves a barn raising.

It was Sarah's last week of maternity leave and Owen was starting daycare so the plan was for the kids to go to daycare on Tues, Wed, Thurs and Mommy and Daddy would work their tails off on the shed. Things never go according to plan though and Elsie ended up being sick most of the week with a fever that kept her from going to daycare. Owen went though, like a little trooper and had a great time. He was pooped each day when he got home and took long naps every evening. Guess watching all the other little kids there wore him out. :)

We were also dodging storms all week. It rained almost every day and the tornado warning sirens even went off on Wednesday sending us running for cover. There was some stuff we could do in the garage, but the rain really slowed us down. We'd get all the tools and everything out, then a storm would pop up and we'd have to take everything back inside and throw the tarps over the shed. A project that was supposed to take 3 days ended up taking 6 when it was all said and done.

The first part of the week started off nice and warm.

With the base down, the floor was ready to be built.

I built the rafters and walls in the garage, then we carried them around back and installed them.

Next, add a plywood roof and siding on the back.

Then add doors and trim.

Grandpa Cox helped with the shingles and it was much appreciated. I had no clue what I was doing or how much work it would be.

Sarah took on the chore of painting. We decided to use our leftover house paint so it would match the house.

Finished!

So that was pretty much our week. It feels good have built it ourselves. We also got to spend lots of quality time with the kiddos (even if there aren't a lot of pictures). All in all it's been a good week off. For me it's back to work tomorrow. Sarah goes back on Wednesday.

See ya,

Ryan, Sarah, Elsie, and Owen