We got new windows!! After years of not being able to open many of our windows (and me complaining) we took the plunge and replaced all of the windows in our house! The kitchen bay window at our new sink was replaced when we remodeled 4 1/2 years ago, but every other window, including those in the garage, are now brand new! The back door near the bay window in the kitchen was also replaced. We have not replaced the glass doors to the porch for now.
We went with Pella Architectural Series 400 windows that are white on the inside, white screens, oil rubbed bronze hardware, and a putty color outside (same as what was put in the kitchen bay window other than those were brown screens). They are wood windows with aluminum cladding on the outside. We have all brand new screens and in some rooms new blinds, other rooms just bare windows for now. All of the wood trim was replaced but remains unpainted as of now. I can’t tell you how excited I am to be able to open the windows!!! And each of the rooms looks so nice, even though they aren’t yet painted. We plan to paint them white which of course brings up the issue of our oak stained trim and doors everywhere. At some point we’ll likely get everything painted white – perhaps over a period of time as that will be a huge project.
Here are some room by room before and after photos. From the outside it can be hard to tell, but the old windows are the paint color and the new ones are a tan-like putty. Sadly I guess I didn’t get a full view of the front of the house before, only after. In any case, you’ll notice Brutus modeling his statue-like behavior as I went from room to room taking before pictures :).
BEFORE
AFTER
I took Griffin and Reid to the zoo the first day of the window project. It was in the mid 50’s and sunny to overcast. Right as we were arriving home they were tossing his window frame out and we were able to snap a pic of it coming out. Pretty cool!
In the loft, they did a really great job taking out the wood trim and then putting the same trim back. You can really barely tell they did anything other than the window is now white!
We’re also making some improvements to our screened in porch. A couple of years ago when we got a new roof, we had two skylights put in the roof. The ceiling, however, was a flat ceiling so you couldn’t see the windows. Brett is opening up the ceiling, putting in a couple of beams, some lighting, electrical (including controllers for the skylights that will open), a new window on the north peak. As it turns out when either Pella or Lowe’s slightly screwed up the window order and the two side windows in our master bath bay window were the incorrect size. The ended up giving us those for free! We were going to use one of the windows that came out of the house but instead ending up using a brand new window in the north peak wall of the porch. We’re putting in windows in the porch as well, but they aren’t in yet. I’m really looking forward to having more of a three-season room that stays pollen free 🙂 These pictures are the beginnings, it’s still a work in progress.
And here you can check out Griffin showing off his little bro’s room. This particular evening he had me laughing so hard I was crying. He wanted me to record him so I took several videos, one of which I’ve posted here. He was so excited and being so silly. I’m happy to have it on video. 
Debbie was unexpectedly sick this week so I ended up going in to work late on day and taking Reid with me. Thankfully he is an easy baby and slept or was happy while we were there long enough for me to get some things taken care of. The following day Jim and Pat came up which was a great help!
Griffin continues to enjoy playing with our neighbors Cole and Cooper. They go back and forth playing at each of our houses, inside, outside, it just depends on the day and the weather! We love that he has kiddos to play with in our neighborhood. 
And here he is eating his favorite choice: fish and chips! Although this night he was able to tell the fish wasn’t “cod” and he wasn’t as big of a fan as he typically is. This kid cracks me up. 
The work continues on Reid’s closet, but we are nearing the end! The drawer unit that Kevin built is in place and he is cutting and installing the shelves. Then it will be touch-up painting and putting things into the closet, yay! Â 
I love how Griffin wants to regularly cuddle with Reid. When in comes in our room in the mornings he is always excited if “Reidy” is awake and he can snuggle up with him. 
For the 4th of July we were invited to the Pilgrim’s home in Dublin. They have a fun gathering of food and friends and the evening concludes with a prime view of the Dublin fireworks which we are able to walk to directly behind their house! This year we took blueberry-amaretto squares which were delish. But I’ve decided that I need to make a half recipe as there is always so much leftover when there are many options at a pot luck! So I’ve been eating the leftovers here….yikes!
When we did tummy time this particular evening Griffin was so encouraging to Reid, it was really cute to watch. Â He was so excited for him when he got his head held so high!
We have a bit of a problem with our gutters! With all of this rain lately it’s apparent that our front gutters outside our bedroom window and the back gutters on the patio need some love. The screens on top of the gutters perhaps aren’t meant to take in the volume of rain that we’ve been receiving in this big downpours lately. So, another project for the list.
On Friday we headed to the new Duck Donuts near Polaris to pick up Saturday morning treats. I didn’t realize that you choose a glaze, topping, and drizzle and that the donuts are made to order! I stayed in the car with Reid while Griffin and Kevin went in and selected the patriotic assortment along with a custom one I requested :). Â Afterward we headed to Star Lanes for a couple games of bowling. Griffin has been asking to go bowling for two weeks so he was quite excited!
Saturday was another game of t-ball and also team photos. Thankfully we made it there early, with his glove, bat, and hat and a big smile! Also this week Finn got to be the last batter, which means his hit is a grand slam home run! I was able to record it, check out the video below. 
Brutus is happiest when he is touching a human or Lily! He regularly cuddles right up next to her or touches her body in some way when they are in the same room. He also loves the outdoors and constantly chews on sticks!
And check out this cutie! Again, filling out 3-month outfits really well 🙂
