Screened-in-Porch Renovation

The 're-do' of my screened in porch was the last room of the house to get refreshed- a year and 4 months later... Small home renovations has become a hobby of mine- a SLOW and steady hobby of mine. Nonetheless, this room that once housed a hot tub coated in black walls complete with gummed-up peel-n-stick tile flooring, was transformed to my favorite hangout (over a span of 5 slow months!)

View of the french doors leading to the guest bedroom- Charlie made himself at home with his blocks...

I reused the rattan roman shades to save on money- I simply restrung the pulley system and hosed them off.

Black walls...Not quite sure what look the previous homeowners were going for-:)

Finished!!! Complete with a paint job for the fish!

Andrew, Ben's brother, put his expertise to work by 'hot-roding' the King Salmon I caught up in Alaska a few years back
Proof that I DID catch the 55 lb fish! It took me 30 minutes to reel it in- our guide refused to help!

View of the kids playing in the back yard- complete with new screens and swanky patio lights!

View of the ceiling- Ugh!! My neck hurt for weeks!

Another angle- note the Chicago Bears ironwork- Ben's brother, (Andrew) also made this, in a welding/art class. Note the mini fridge completely stocked with refreshing beverages!

Opposite screen wall, facing the unkempt side yard

View of the french doors leading to the guest bedroom- can't escape a shot with baby accessories

So who wants to come visit while Ben's in Iraq???

Happy First Birthday, Charlie!

It all started with a delicately frosted, single chocolate cupcake with sprinkles...

Charlie then got a little taste of heaven...

A bit more sure of himself...

Thinking, "I could get used to this!"

"It tastes much better once smooshed in my hands!"
We're thinking Charlie did get the majority of the cupcake in his mouth-:)

A VERY satisfied birthday boy

Round 2: opening birthday gifts-

Family trip to Charlestown, SC and Greenville, SC

Charlestown, S.C., is made famous for these Live Oak trees, on which Reese and Harrison found themselves right at home...
Reese discovers she is a true Confederate of the South

History of the first settlers revealed what happened to little boys who didn't eat their green veggies...



Poppa and Reese checking in on wild turkeys

Reese, her blowpop, and Grandma Kristi

Charlie and Poppa

No, I did not Photoshop Harrison into the foreground... he loves the camera!

Atop another Live Oak tree on a Plantation

3 little Hobbits- or is it 3 Keebler elves???

Despite long days with few naps, Charlie was in good spirits

Myself and Ben standing in front of one of nine slave quarters still standing (originally 22 houses) - these small single room dwellings were 'showcased' along the drive upon entering the Plantation- the more slave houses one had on a property, the more money the Plantation had. By descretely showcasing the wealth, no one had to ask-:)

A little history lesson.

Reese and Harrison dressed to the "9's" for a wedding

Brothers Ben and PJ

Becky and her daughter Alexis with nephew/cousin Charlie

Uncle PJ with Charlie-

The other, less famous, family duo- princes' 'William and Harry'

Nannie's Visit

The Azeleas were in bloom just in time for Nannie's visit! (I may be a bit bias, but I believe we have the most beautiful Azalea bushes here at the house than anywhere in the city of Valdosta!!!)

I'm not so certain Mom didn't plan ahead to blend with the Azaleas!

Harrison is at that stage where taking pictures is no longer fun...

Reese, taking cues from her brother, also refused to smile for the camera- (or put down her backpack!)

Reese begins to warm up to the camera

CURB APPEAL!

Thanks Dad for the new driveway and sidewalk!