Whether it's a graduation party, a birthday party, or a Labor day weekend cookout the patio is the place to be!

We own our first home, which is still pretty new to us.  We bought in October 2010 and while I love being a homeowner one of the things I miss the most from previous houses is having a patio area.  We fully intend on adding one as soon as possible but for now we just carouse our back yard.

To me a patio area brings fond memories of cookouts, sitting in chairs hanging with friends and family, and being able to watch the sunset.  The closest thing we have is our front porch which is lovely but there is just something about a patio.  Growing up I remember shaving cream fights, playing the card game rummy, and so many more memories made on our patio.

Now that my kids are getting a little older and will be wanting friends to come over and stay the night I am aching to get a patio up so they can make the same kind of memories my friends and I did.  Our backyard has such a beautiful view of the sunset every night I would love to have a place to sit in a swing and just enjoy watching the bright oranges and soft pinks as the sun dips below the trees.

We fully intend on adding a patio at some point and I can't wait for the day.  To barbeque, play games, and just enjoy one another while taking in the beautiful view around us.  Who knew something as simple as a patio could hold so many memories.  Did you have a patio growing up or do you have one now?

These are just some of my favorite activities that my family enjoys on our patio. What activities do you and your family enjoy on your patio? Answer the question below and one of my readers will win a $25 Sears gift card!

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