SJ on the Move

Monday, June 30, 2008

We have plumbing!


We hit our first milestone this week - the rough inspection of the plumbing. So, if we wanted to, we could now take a bath in the attic. Of course, you would need a pair of pliers to turn the water off and on (no trim installed). You'd also have to watch yourself as you got out of the tub so you didn't step through the floor (not closed up until the rough framing inspection).


Aside from the tub, we now have drains for the sinks and toilet. In some European countries, you could even say we have a toilet :-)


But, I'll wait for the more U.S. style - with a seat...


Balusters and baseboards



Our house is now under agreement. During the inspection, one of the issues brought up was the lack of balusters on our back staircase. For those of you who don't know, here's a handy reference:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balustrade

I have used the word "baluster" about 100 times more in the past week than I have previously in my entire adult life. In fact, I'm not entirely sure I have ever used the word "baluster" before this week.

So, in the end, we decided to install balusters on our back stairway. It was a fairly quick project, thanks to the 2X2 balusters they sell at Home Depot. The most difficult parts were figuring out the proper angle for the cuts, and then trying to space them all evenly, but not too far apart so Beaver could get his head caught in between them. In the end, I somehow ended up with two extra balusters - despite measuring it all out twice. Oh well, better to have two extra than two few.



The other big project for the week was getting all the baseboards and final trim installed in SJ's new playroom. We're having carpet installed this week, so everything needed to be finished in there. In just a few days, one room of our new house will be completely finished! A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step...

Friday, June 13, 2008

Progress



Good progress was made this week. The exterior of the addition is now mostly closed in. While it's just about impossible to see from the street, we get the impression that the roof now has shingles on it. There's a little bit more work to do on the siding, but that looks like it is nearly finished.


Interior framing is coming along. Many of the rooms have been framed out. From previous experience, this is one of the more exciting parts of construction. You see the layout of the rooms, but everything still feels very open. Unfortunately, once they put up drywall - everything seems saddenly closed in and small. Just a reaction to the contrast between completely open without real walls, to actually having real walls between rooms.

Sunday, June 01, 2008

Chicago, Day 4

SJ getting ready for her boat ride along Lake Michigan.







Another view of Navy Pier, where we went again today for a boat ride and more rides.






Part of the Chicago skyline, the tall building is the Sears Tower.





Here's little SJ enjoying the lighthouse ride at the Navy Pier with 2 big kids. The ride takes you straight up and the drops you down about 1/2 way. it's perfect for SJ sized kids and she had a blast.





SJ got a fairy painted on her face for free!





SJ dances everywhere!

Along the Chicago River. We loved visiting Chicago. It was such a friendly city, easy to get around, and very clean. There was so much to do and see and we'd love to go back sometime.

Taking a rest along the River Walk at one of the many stone benches. This was right after SJ had one of her only public tantrums while in Chicago. She was pretty tired after another busy day in Chicago!