This past weekend we had a GRAND time at the beach. We headed in when others were evacuating for Hurricane Isaac. The surf was a bit rough, but the weather was incredible and the kids loved their giant sandbox! This summer we have gone three times just for the day, which is hardly a full day, but works surprisingly well with two young kids. The kids are awesome beach-bound troopers, and we are lucky to live within a couple hours of the Gulf!

Who's counting weeks anymore?!

We have a new driveway and new roof. Not part of the construction project, but necessary finishing touches. You can see the new roof below, the new larger rocks for the driveway, and even a close up of the driveway to see JT's work lining the drive with bricks. Hard work!

Jay's 5th birthday party!

Everyone had a blast, Jay included! And, I hope all attendees napped well post-party. We had the giant water slide, a sprinkler, water balloons, and chalk, as well as all our other usual yard toys. There were popsicles, drinks, goldfish, and cake. Each guest took home a sand bucket with snacks, bubbles, and a water gun. We were so pleased with all of it, and the slide stays in our yard until Monday!

The long awaited 'after' photos! I'm not sure why they won't post in the order I'd like, but I know you can figure it out!

Guess who found the Blogger app and can now post pictures and text from her phone?!

Check out these cute babies! They have been very photogenic this week!

Week 17. The inspection is today!! Here's the final view....  Well, final, minus another coat of paint and an 'apron' of cement on our driveway to steer rain off the roof away from a moat around the carport....

View of the new shower.

The new family room with gas fireplace and built-in shelving/cabinetry.

The new bathroom with a view of the vanity.

The down-sized laundry room, with shelving re-installed on a different wall.

Standing in front of the new fireplace, look at the 4-panel sliding doors that open to the dining room. And, a shout out to my grandparents who, with their assisted living residency, inspired the tennis balls on the 'feet' of Charlotte's art easel.  Our new hardwood floors are safe!

Oops - look at the stragglers I forgot!

A quick ride with the all-star pair in the front seat.

Popsicles out back!

Cheers to these kiddos that have put up with all of this!  Can you believe this has gone on ALL summer and now our kids are back to school this coming week?  Troopers!

Pretty Charlotte playing/hiding in her playhouse outside. She has TWO stickers from a trip to the doctor that day!

He loves wearing jeans as much as he loves baseball, both despite the heat and humidity!

Sweet Buster. He's a trooper, too, but his arthritic back and back legs are catching up with him again. Sad how soon this is happening after his round of pain killer and steroids seemed to perk him up.

Cheese!

This morning (8/3/12) Jay and I went to Waffle House (his choice) as a treat before his kindergarten Open House.  We sat at the counter in the twisty swinging chairs!

They love the new fireplace!

Guess how big the new fireplace is?  Big enough!

Buster does not love the new (slippery) floors.

Mommy and her best girl.

It's an open floor for wrestling!

Everyone wrestles, and sweet Buster looks on awkwardly. (note Charlotte's striped leg sticking out to the left)

The shenanigans continue with Buster close enough to feel included, but awkward on the floor and with such intense physical activity.

Week 16 - how lazy am I?!

My dad, who is my most enthusiastic and reliable 'reader,' is out of town.  And in his absence, and the absence of the guilt I feel when I don't post something for him, I've not posted anything.  Terrible!

So, here's the Week 16 summary, in pictures!

The finished exterior rear view. New windows, corner spotlights, AC, power meter, painted siding, painted brick, etc. Super!

Last week you saw the finished closet floor, now here's the finished closet!  Paint is all trimmed out, water heater is installed, and the shelving is up. We will actually be able to hang suits and dresses in our own closet!

The bathrooms stuns me every day. Here's a view to capture the fixutres all being installed - sinks, tub, sconces, mirrors, hand towel hangers, etc.  I'm in awe!

The floor in the family room is done! We have so many dance parties!  We may never put furniture in here for all the fun it provides empty!

Back to the bathroom and our glorious shower.  With fixtures!  Love!