HHI: Sun, Sand, and Shells

The kids were so excited to visit the beach and play in the sand.  It was nice because the plantation where we were staying, Palmetto Dunes, offered a shuttle service from our house to the beach club.  You would just call a number and then the "Dunes Buggy" would arrive and pick us up.  We all liked not having to get sand in our vans or struggle with looking for a place to park.

 We found so many shells and interesting creatures.  Riley found a sand dollar that was still alive.  We took a picture before she put it back. 

 The boys loved splashing in the water and surfing the waves with a boogie board.  

 Reese's "sandman"

I love this picture so much!  The cousins sure do love each other!

Hilton Head Island 2013: 2.0

This year we were lucky enough to go to Hilton Head Island twice.  When my family originally decided not to go to HHI this year, we made plans with Joel's side of the family to go there.  Then my parents later decided that we really should go, and that's how we ended up going two times.  You can tell we were really upset about it.  ;)   Haha!

 On the road again...

 We let this guy drive this time.  

One of the highlights of the week was the pool.  The water was so refreshing!  The kids would countdown from 10 and then jump in the water.  We had to laugh because when they started doing this with the adults, you couldn't help but have to jump in when they got to 1.  I mean, if they had started at 3, 1 comes pretty quickly and you can just laugh it off when you miss it.  But with 10, you have plenty of time to get your act together and follow through with a cannonball.  Just ask Grandma Marsh!  ;)

 I love this action shot!

 More action shots

Next up: Fun at the Beach!

Big Day for a Bike Ride

We headed up to Amy and Brad's house for a cookout on Father's Day.  The kids had fun being with their cousins.

 Since Amy and Brad live on a quiet cul-de-sac, we decided to help Reese learn how to ride a bike.  She had a bad fall on a bike when she was 4 and has not shown any interest in learning how to ride a two-wheeler.  She was extremely apprehensive and nervous about it, and even shed a few tears.  But I would not let her give up since she was always putting it off.  I ended up kicking off my shoes and running down the street barefoot with her while she was trying to learn how to balance on her own. And eventually she was doing this:

This picture was taken the following day back in our neighborhood.  But I was so incredibly proud of her courage and perseverance.  Way to go, Reese!!!

Bathroom and Kitchen Updates

 This was our half bathroom before:

All of our bathroom counters are this similar tile.

We found this countertop for a great price and added oil rubbed bronze fixtures.

Other improvements included a tile backsplash, a new mirror, towel rack, and light fixture--all oil-rubbed bronze finish. And a new tile floor, too.

 

Many of the tiles in the kitchen were cracked, so we chose to replace it with these rectangular tiles.  We figured we should have something that could be washed often since the kids would most likely be tracking in more mud, dirt, and leaves!

Not the best picture--I took all of these with my phone.  But I painted the walls Kilim Beige and bought new curtains (instead of the rose-colored vertical blinds).  We've since then replaced the light fixture above the table, so I'll post new pictures soon!

A Family That Demolishes Together...

Amy and Brad's family spent the night with us after our anniversary dinner.  While they were getting ready to leave the next morning, Joel and I were hanging out in the kitchen, trying to figure out what we were going to do that day.  Joel looked up at the light box in the kitchen and said, "I wonder how hard this would be to take out."  He reached up and pulled some of the trim off, and my jaw dropped! 

He just kept going until all of the trim around the lights was gone, then he started working on the crown molding.

Anytime you're trying to get a project done, Reid will find you.  He's like a shark that smells blood--except he smells lack of patience.

Amy and Brad came down to see what was causing all of the racket.  They thought they were only minutes away from leaving, but then we handed Brad a crowbar.  He just had to put it to use!

Child labor laws?  OSHA?  Not in this house!  Get to work, kids!

 



(These Lightning McQueen sunglasses may or may not be OSHA certified.)

But as long as you look good while you are doing a home improvement project, that is all that matters. 

After all of the drywall had been removed, all that was exposed was a large frame built with 2x4's and secured to plywood.  It was all one large piece, so Joel and Brad asked Amy and me to help hold the weight so it wouldn't smash down on our kitchen island.  About halfway through, we didn't think we were going to be able to make it.  Joel ran next door to see if our neighbor, Mr. Bill, was home--but he wasn't.  We couldn't turn back since it was only partially secured to the ceiling, so we just had to push through.  Luckily we got it down safely and did not break anything--or anyone.  :)

Riley took these pictures for us.  :)



The Dream Team

 

We were pretty proud of ourselves!  We had talked about hiring this out at some point, but then we would've missed all of the fun.  Since Amy and Brad had stayed a few hours longer AND were pulled into one of our projects, we took their family out for lunch.  I'm sure they'll think twice before staying with us again...

Our neighbor, Bill, helped Joel cut the frame and let us put it in his trash since we were still waiting on our trash service to start.  Later that week, Joel and I removed the track lighting that was around the ceiling.  It made a huge difference in opening up the kitchen.  We did end up hiring a contractor to patch the ceiling and install pendant lights.  More on that soon!