And then there were walls . . . well at least studs.

As we last posted, we spent a wonderful week in Disney World with Bill, Dawn, and the grandbabies in September. During our visit we went to the Magic Kingdom for Mikey's Not-so-Scary Halloween. I'll just share one photo of each grandbaby and then move on to the renovations!

Next on our list was to level the floors in the upstairs bedrooms and hallway as well as fixing the joist that a previous plumber (we assume) notched almost completely through! Unbelievable! Looks like there might have been a drain pipe running through this area at one point. This was a time-consuming job, with lots of extra lumber cost--but will be well worth it as we move forward.

All the walls (studs) are now in place for the 2 new bathrooms and closets that will replace the middle bedroom. The plan is attached so you can visualize a little easier what we are trying to accomplish.

Our youngest, Mike, arrived home from Germany 9/19. He spent a few days with us and traveled with me to see his grandmother and cousins in Rehoboth Beach, DE. It was a quick trip for Mike and me (Chris was flying during those days).  When we got back, Mike flew to Houston on 9/23 to get his dog, Pixie, before driving out to the west coast. I also hopped a flight to Memphis to babysit our great-niece for a few days. Precious addition to the family (6 mos old). Needless to say, there was a lot of traveling during the month of September for all of us!

The last week of September our new replacement windows came in and were installed. This was two very exciting days! We hired Comunale Construction Company for this large job! 24 windows: 19 double-hung and 5 gliders for the second floor sun room. Highly recommend this company. Very professional, courteous, and they know what they are doing. Did an awesome job; removing the windows and storm windows, adding aluminum where needed, and installing the new windows. Very happy with our new windows. It makes the house look so much cleaner on the outside.

No more peeling paint. I realize this is a hot topic with people renovating old homes, but our windows were in such poor shape that vinyl replacements were the best option for us. They also installed vinyl siding to the area where Chris eliminated the two windows from the old middle bedroom - which will now be part of the 2 new bathrooms.

It looks awesome. **The attic, kitchen, and first floor back porch windows were not replaced. We will eventually repair/re-glaze the attic windows to keep with the aesthetic of the house. The kitchen and back porch windows were replaced at some point (guessing 1970-1980); until we decide what, if anything, we will do in that area, we didn't want to disturb the windows at this point.

Still haven't had time or energy to tackle much landscape, but I did take the opportunity to decorate the front porch for fall. I love fall and am so excited to experience it again.

Chris gets home tonight (10/7) and will be home for 4 full days! Heating is our priority on this set of days off since the temps have been getting into the 50's at night during the last few weeks. (we have no heat currently) We will be using the existing radiators downstairs and in the 3 bedrooms and sun room upstairs. The 3 upstairs bathrooms and hallway will have radiant floor heat. Chris (as he has his HVAC license) will be running all new heat pex and installing new manifolds in the basement for the high efficiency gas furnace-eliminating the need to purchase oil! Although this will be a very busy 4 days, I am hopeful that it will be less "dusty" as the previous repairs. So tired of dust! Also we are still waiting on the gas company. Requested natural gas in late August but were told 6-8 weeks turn around time. Hopefully they will be here soon since the new heating system is natural gas.

Link to September pics. (I didn't take as many this month . . .need to get better at that!)

Enjoy!