Catching Up

One year ago we were just starting the project of finishing our basement. It was going to be done by Janie's birthday in June. It took a lot longer than we thought. The majority was done in August, and Derek and Meghan moved downstairs. We have felt like new people ever since. Mark was finally able to finish the bathroom in January, so now it's 100% done (minus a few little details!). We are so thankful we were able to take the plunge and spend the money (!) and get this done.
Here are the kids in the unfinished family room, right after framing had begun.

This is Janie in our now completed family room. The walls are still bare, but we love it!

This was the view from Derek's future room into the family room.

Here's the same view now.

Derek's room now, complete with surfer dude posters made by Amy!

This is our laundry room. I love the bright light in here. For years I did laundry in a cold basement with one light bulb shining down on me. Now I can actually see the stains I need to pre-treat!

This is the view from the laundry room into the new bathroom.

Janie is showing off our new toilet and shower. Mark did a great job on the tile in the shower and on the floor.

Meghan got the biggest room. She finally has enough space to keep her stuff put away. Does she do it? Most of the time, yes. Notice the fishtank that Grandpa T set up for her.

When Mark's Grandma Roden passed away this fall, he knew what he wanted to remember her by. She had always been known as the "flag lady", faithfully putting up and taking down her flag every day. Her flagpole had been made by his Grandpa Cox, which made it extra special. Now, we have the pole and her flag in front of our house! I hope we can keep up her example of patriotism.

Finally, when Derek turned 11, he attended his last pack meeting and was presented with his Webelo and Arrow of Light awards. Here's a picture of the "ceremony".