Inga and Jonathan recently bought this home after renting in a nearby Oakland neighborhood they loved, but when Inga's mom offered to help them buy, they couldn't pass up the offer. The most important thing to them was finding a block that mimicked the close-knit feel they had in their old neighborhood. They found it here, but now they need to put work into this place to really feel like they fit in. They have 3 boys, ages 11, 9, and 2. The two youngest have a genetic disease and have special needs that require a lot of support and attention. Providing this support consumes most of their free time and energy, as well as any financial reserves from their salaries. Little is left for luxuries like beautifying the front porch and yard. When they first moved in, they had high hopes of fixing up both the front in time for summertime outdoor fun. Now one summer has passed and another is fast approaching with no improvements in sight. Although the interior of our lovely 1926 home was renovated prior to their purchase, the yard was a clean slate, or, as realtors like to say, it had potential!