First Day of School!

Today marked the first day of school for all four kids. Even little Katie went a full day (morning Pre-K and an afternoon at the after-school care program). Everyone had a great day - and I think it's safe to say, all were completely tired; Katie even fell asleep on the way home from school.

Conversation that I had with the little beatle (that's what Alan thinks she looks like with her backpack on) first thing this morning is below:

Katie - "I love Mrs. Schwisow and Mrs. Sistrunk."
Mom - "You do!? That's great!"
Katie - "I don't love picking up though. I sometimes pick up at preschool, but not at home - I'm messy."

Smile. Loves preschool, but already is stressing about cleanup time. :)

It was a great day...the school has grown this year and it was very exciting to see all the new (and returning) students!

Jordan is also excited because tonight his coach announced he would play starting linebacker. He said it is hard because you have to pay close attention to everything that is going on - a very good thing for him to learn to do! :)

Jocie is loving first grade, but was a little sad that she didn't get any homework today (she's been looking forward to it all summer).

Finally, Colin had a great day-enjoyed the art project that they did in class, but wanted to make sure he told me a few times that he missed recess! :) Just like his daddy, enjoys work - but has to have his play time.

Beginning the backfill process

The first foundation crew completed their job on Thursday. Friday a new group began backfilling and excavating the lot. As you can see they really piled the dirt in on the right hand side towards the back. :( Not sure if I like this or not. I'm told we'll need a retaining wall - which equates to more money or at least another thing to add to the "save-and-do-after-we-move-in" list.

Monday they will backfill the garage space in preparation for the concrete slab. You can also see on the second picture where they brought dirt up to the garage and where they began tarring for the waterproofing.

On a side note, today was the kids' Back to School Potluck. Everyone had a fabulous time! The weather was perfect! God blessed us with a wonderful turnout and great fellowship!

Foundation Walls Up!

The walls are up! The kids exact words when we drove up, "Woahhhhh!!!" We are all learning so much about the construction process. We even learned about hurricane straps! :)

Below - picture of the day!

Junkyard City

The workers are continuing to build the walls in preparation for the concrete pouring. The inspector signed off on his inspection today; we're ready to pour concrete for the walls tomorrow! WAHOO! Right now the house looks like junkyard city! :) I'll leave you with the pictures of the day - you be the judge. :)

On a side note, tonight we went out to dinner - compliments of our wonderful Fiesta 50% off card! :) Anyway, Alan took Katie to the bathroom. Conversation went something like this. Katie, "Daddy, there are boy places to go potty and girl places to go." Daddy, "Shhhh, just go potty." She finished doing her thing, then walked out to the boys, Jocie and I who are all BUSTING up laughing as he proceeds to walk out of the women's bathroom!!! By this time I'm almost in tears from laughing so hard. I felt like I should stand by the door or at least hollar in to warn Alan of his surroundings, but everything from the waitress walking out after using the restroom to a potential woman walking in and letting out a high pitched scream kept me in my seat dying of laughter. There - my funny of the day.

Junkyard City

Foundation wall prep

Goofy Kids - Goofy Dad

The kids are having a blast - but at times, it's hard to tell who's having more fun - the kids or dad. :)

Tomorrow - the inspector will be by and they hope to pour concrete for the walls!

Wanted!

Silly girls!

Goofy boys!

Getting ready to pour concrete!

Foundation Rebar

Having a hard time visualizing things, but it appears our house is going to have an AMAZING view. If you look at the first photo, we were told that the top of the rebar is the top of the basement. We'll have two floors above that. We're definitely finding that this is a huge learning process, much different than when we built our first house.

Looking at the 3rd/4th bay of the garage.

Looking at the daylight basement.

Jordan in the basement, Alan standing at the garage.

Another view looking at footings.

Fire!!!

Below is a picture that Alan took tonight of a fire across the highway from where the property is. The fire, which is now under control, burned approximately 1,000 acres. Unfortunately, we live near a lot of undeveloped property so dry, late-summer fires will probably be a little unsettling.

Breaking Ground

I guess it's official! We're building a house! The crews showed up on Monday to get started. As of today, the footings are in! The kids ask daily to go up and "visit the property". Not a clue if we are on track for our December closing, but we're hoping!! Alan called this morning to inform me that the bathroom was put in (a.k.a. a port-o-potty).

Click on the pictures to enlarge.

Our crew - breaking ground!

Footings are in!

A view looking West. That small little bump to the right of the sunrise we believe is Mt. Adams.