Construction Update... and Other Happy Events

Lots of developments to report - some more dramatic than others!

On the exterior construction, the foundation for the kitchen addition was completed and is ready for framing.  You can get a sense of kitchen layout here:

The former Brooks' lot next door is completely cleared on the Lake side.  The house, the garage, the many, many trees - all gone!  Suddenly, there's an empty lot next door...well, several empty lots.

You can actually see our house down the line:

We took this picture from Deb Flannigan's house! Do you see our cottage?

Most impressive is how the bank of the Lake was cleared.  We love our new view from the porch:

Heavenly!

Equally as dramatic were some of the changes that had gone on inside the cottage. Gone is the second floor as we knew it!  For example:

Photos courtesy of Mark Winter

The former upstairs closet, which hung over part of the stairs, has been removed.  In its place - a nice, open, staircase.

Alex's room has been prepared for a floor .  Now, all of the floors on the second story will be on the same level:

Don't worry, Al - these aren't your new windows!

Maddy's room is also opened up and prepped for windows:

Don't worry, Maddy - this isn't your new lamp!

And so is our room:

Mark did a great job of photographing under dangerous conditions, such as no walls and the possibility of a tumble to the first floor! 

As excited as we are about the cottage addition, this week was topped off by news of an even more joyful  nature- an addition to our family.  October 19th is already a happy day for the Winter family - Mark's birthday.  But this October 19th, Maddy and her boyfriend, Matt Bryan, got engaged...a very memorable birthday!!!

The future Mr. and Mrs. Bryan!

October is quite the birthday month for the Winters':  Alex, Mark, and me.  Next October, 2011, we'll be celebrating three birthdays - and a wedding!

We'll keep you posted!