In January, we started talking about a few remodel projects we would like to do. Dave was gung ho about getting going on the kitchen after the estimates came back to something we could afford, so we got going right away. Well as soon as we could decide what it is we both wanted...
The kids had a blast knocking down the half walls that separate our kitchen from the family room. This was my request, so we could extend out our wood floor a few feet, and have room for a bigger island. The old island was only 3x4 ft. And I really wanted more space!
Dave took on a lot of the work himself, including building the base for the new floor, doing all the electrical work (including recessed lighting and pendant lights for over the island) sheet rock, and painting. He is a rock star!
We had our cabinets installed just before Spring Break started and they measured for the countertops. Which meant we had three weeks more to live without a kitchen. We had set up a mock kitchen in the dining room, complete with a microwave and toaster oven, and we used our utility sink upstairs to do any dishes. Needless to say we ate out a bunch, and went through a lot of paper products.
I love the new cabinets. They are so nice! I really love how they go all the way to the ceilings, I can fit so much more in them. And the doors and drawers have a hinge that closes them quietly, so no more kids banging them closed. The finish is just what I wanted, and it looks so nice with the colors in our house. I couldn't be happier.
And we also took the opportunity to play while we could. The spring skiing was great, so we ditched a camping trip for a few days on the slopes. (Spencer trying out the trick park)
Did a few local mountain bike rides...
Amanda was also able to get some private lessons with some pretty amazing oboists during this time, as the university near us is hiring a new oboe professor and Amanda was asked to do lessons for others to observe for the interview process. It was a cool opportunity for her, and she loved it.
We took a quick trip to St George to hangout with Patty, and enjoyed some family time, and really enjoyed having a kitchen in house again for a few days.
Patty had a cool Lego set that Megan had set up. It was a boat set with a dive ship, shipwreck, and a dingy. The boys loved this, and had so much fun playing with it. Spencer asked a million questions about the sailing trips they have taken over the years, and we ended up watching videos of their trip across the pacific to the Samoan islands and Hawaii. And it has inspired many lego boats being built since being home.
We came home and were able to finish up in the kitchen within a week! Well mostly finish up. The back splash won't be done for another month, but the kitchen became functional again! And I really love it! It is hard to know how it will all come together as you are picking out so many different things, but I couldn't be happier with how it turned out.
The boys love the new floor space
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