Gut Job

Today my mom took the boys home with her after Gavin's swim class, leaving D and me to run all over town. We did boring things (leaving a car to get detailed, errands at the mall, banking, a Home Depot run, etc.) but squeezed in a good lunch and a trip to the condo. Our sole intention was not to relive the memories of our late 20s, though we did do that, but to check on the reno process. The place was a gut job, and after nine years of ownership and headaches, we've decided that it's time to list it. Nobody had room on their to-do list for a condo renovation, but really we couldn't afford NOT to do it. I won't pretend like buying real estate in 2007 will turn out to be a lucrative investment for us, but putting the time and money into some cosmetic work will certainly help to soften the blow. And let's be honest...Dylan's done about 94% of the running around to tile and paint stores and working with contractors, so I really have no complaining to do. And actually I've enjoyed picking out floors, paint, counters, cabinets, and backsplash and shower tiles, and it looks like it's coming together quite nicely!

This doesn't look like our lazy hangout of 2007-2009

Well that shower looks a lot better!

New counters, sinks and cabinet doors for the bathrooms and kitchen

Unless you're interested in interior design (like I am), then you probably don't care...but I will be posting photos of the final job. We've got a few weeks to go until it's complete!

I don't think Gavin missed us this afternoon at all. It's always a good time at Nonna and Papa's house.

I dug up some random photos from before and after camping and figured this was the best place to throw them onto the blog.

Goggles from coach! Gavin LOVES his new swimming coach. He really pushes him, and he's made a lot of progress in the last few weeks.

Play Doh to pass the hot summer days at home

Koala Baby

I can't get enough of his smiles. He's got all four teeth coming in on top, so his grin will be evolving.

The best use of this auxiliary sink that I've discovered.

I hauled the boys all over the place on Monday, and after Gavin's haircut I decided that I was really hungry for a sandwich from Potbelly. So I ushered the boys and all our cargo into the sandwich store and set up Gavin with a milkshake and Graham with random scraps of food. It was obviously a successful public outing, complete with all three of us making a trip to the potty together.

No tantrums for his haircut, two times in a row. What a relief for everybody. (And that front tooth already has Dylan grumbling about how much he'll have to spend on orthodontics.)

This guy wants to crawl so badly, but I kind of hope he doesn't figure it out real soon. It's nice having him immobile. Also, Gavin is picking a wedgie in the background. In case you missed that.

Well, I've really been on a roll keeping the blog updated, but I think I'll invest more time into the Olympics (Go USA!) for the rest of the week, so I'll catch you later.