Day 1: Casa de Construction

Our remodel project officially begins today! Here are a few snapshots of the inaugural day of work.

Wait, you say. That's the family room. With a bunch of holes cut out of it. Definitely not part of the upstairs remodel, you think. Yep, that's what we thought, also.

Turns out the previous owners were not completely forthcoming in their claims that all permits were obtained for the work they did at the house. Turns out they installed a 40-foot beam across the back of the house because they removed major support walls to create the family room and kitchen nook. And, it turns out that none of the work was permitted. None. Despite their claims otherwise in the disclosure packet they filled out for us.

So, before we can move forward with the upstairs remodel/addition, we first have to go through the process of permitting the existing support structure of the house, including uncovering all of the existing walls, window casings, anchor bolts to the foundation walls, beam installation, and more. Then, we will submit the existing structural details to the city for review, and they will hopefully approve permits so that we can then obtain permits for the new addition.

Even though this is a step backward before we can move forward, the sounds of drills and pounding help it feel like progress is being made. We expect this process to take 3-4 weeks, which means the addition will not be ready in time for the new baby. It was disappointing news, of course. But fortunately, we know that all a baby needs is a bassinet, warm milk, and lots of love. We figure the silver lining is that this baby will have no choice but to be a solid sleeper if he or she is exposed to drilling, hammering, and nailing at the beginning of his or her life.

Fab Five

Our Lucky Lucy turned five yesterday. When she woke, I sang out, "Happy Birthday, Lucy! How's it feel to be five?" and she replied, "I'm not five until I blow out the candles, Mommy!"

We had a great day, celebrating first with cousin Chiara and cookies at Grand Central.


Then, we enjoyed dinner with all four grandparents, so Lucy could officially turn five and blow out her candles.

This morning, we continued the celebration with a few rides at Oak Parks with pals. Just look at the "no-hands" on the roller coaster. This girl definitely has some Great-Grandma Fisher blood coursing through her veins!

Beautiful British Columbia

We just returned from a wonderful week in beautiful British Columbia, with a rental house in Vancouver serving as our homebase while we enjoyed the various sites of the area. We spent June 19, which was my parents' 40th anniversary, in Victoria having high tea at the Butchart Gardens and enjoying the spectacular flowers in bloom.

A quick stop at the Empress was needed, to remind them of their honeymoon destination back in 1971. We made friends with the Canadian mounties, of course. The Capilano Suspension bridge was an incredible experience, with treetop adventures waiting for us on the other side.
We also did a cliff walk along platforms suspended over the high canyon. Not for those who are fearful of heights!

At the Granville Market in Vancouver, we discovered the art of glass blowing with some classes, and we found the best cappucino in town.

And what would vacation be without several bike rides with the family? Here's the team of colored-coordinated cyclists, who enjoyed some easy rides around Stanley Park, as well as a daring day of riding at Whistler.

All in all, a wonderful vacation with family!!

Summertime?

This weekend, we enjoyed our first 80+ degree days. Splashing in the kiddie pool, riding bikes to get ice cream, and more-- oh yes, we definitely enjoyed them!!