A Work and Play Weekend

One thing I love is company!  And we were so excited to host friends of ours from up north here last weekend.  They're not new to Environs- through their parents friendships our kids have chummed around quite a bit.  Since my only camera these days is the smart phone- and that usually sits on the counter at home I was so excited to be sent pictures from our visit to post here. 

There aren't any pictures of the work that was accomplished in their extended weekend stay so I'll just mention that first.  Here are the things I know of-- I'm sure there are things I'm missing that were on the 'guys' list.

-Trimmed Pine Grove

-Processed produce- a batch of marinara

-Worked on refurbishing the cider press

-Put up ceiling fan, and two can lights in the living room (and completed electrical)

-Weed whipped

-Ran to Menard's

-Rearranged master bedroom to accommodate baby's arrival

And now for the FUN!

-Played for numerous hours- toys, playdoh, swimming, scooters, 'mom and dad', flashlights etc.

-Went on a date (just the adults!) to the Potosi Brewery and Red Top

- Cooked and ate like royalty!

We wrapped up their stay with a little touring for the kiddos-

1- Put our feet in the Mississippi!  Visited O'Leary's Landing and Lock and Dam 11.  We saw a dead snake, a dead fish, a heron, a family of ducks and of course, put our toes in the muddy Miss!

JuJu and I at the Lock and Dam

Our friends getting their feet wet!

Climbing rocks to get to the water!

The kids and I- you can almost see our house in this picture!

2- Checked out John Deere though next time we'll have to stop at the construction dealer for some backhoe pictures.  The guide messed up but the kids didn't seem to mind!

 3-Learned a bit about Dubuque's history and the nature of the area.  Made a stop at the Mines of Spain and the newly remodeled Nature Center.  Took a hike on the trails and had a little picnic, too!

Interactive bird calls for local birds!

The Fox tribe were the native settlers of this area.

Finding 'treasure' in a lead mine exhibit!  You had to crawl through a cave to get in here- that was a laugh for me anyway!

Listening to animal sounds- our favorite, the badger.  It kinda sounded like a mutant pig.  Katie thought it was hilarious!

More sounds and JuJu bird watching. 

It was a wonderful weekend!  We're already looking forward to more company in August- are you on our calendar yet?!?!

The Almost After

We are not quite done with the remodel but I know a few folks have been waiting to see the after pictures.  Because the project isn't completely finished these will be the almost after pictures.  Also, please pardon any messes you might see in these shots as we're still working on the living in the new space details. 

Taken from the dining room into the kitchen.

One of my favorite cabinet features are the two doored cabinets where I can access my tableware from the kitchen or dining room.  Also, you can see some of the cabinet detailing in this picture.

From the living room at the dining room and new stool friendly counter.  The girls and I are loving breakfasts at the bar!  Notice how wonderful the vinyl floor is for sweeping messes and wiping spills?  Beats that carpet any day!

Kitchen counter top and sink- still cluttered because the electrical and tile isn't in yet and a few items are waiting for permanent homes.

New additional cabinets and microwave shelf that are mounted into the wall adjacent the kitchen.  Its not the best angle but I haven't figured out a better place to take the picture from yet.

And the floor, it goes from the entry into the laundry, kitchen, dining room and ends in the hallway....beautiful!

Hopefully I'll be able to add the final pictures sooner rather than later.  But that should quench the curiosity of a few. 

During...

Now that we've had sufficient time to recover from demolition and time sans kitchen and all that goes with it, I thought I'd better at least post an update.  So for your enjoyment here are the during pictures of our dining room/kitchen remodel.

Tearing up the indoor/outdoor carpeting that plagued the dining room. Yuck!

This is Lindsey, our help, packing up EVERYTHING in the kitchen and dining room and moving it downstairs for the duration. God Bless Lindsey!

Planning what needed to be painted after the cabinets were down and out.

Moving in the new subfloor.  Man does that eliminate the creaking!

Julia enjoying basement living.

Our other huge help, our niece Laura, pictured here with Kate.  Laura helped me with the girls during the remodel and Vacation Bible School.  She even came back for more in subsequent weeks.  God Bless Laura!

So to update you, the remodel is over half done.  We have some tiling to finish in the kitchen. The contractor is coming back to complete the trimming.  And Kurt's wrapping up the kitchen electrical and then we'll be done, I think. ;-)   The new flooring and cabinets give the house a totally different look.  I'm super pleased.  So, stay tuned I'll post nearly finished pictures soon...

The Before