What to do when you replace more than 70 old windows in your home...

Backyard patio and fireplace are complete, along with my favorite thing -- a greenhouse made from the windows we replaced!

Kitchen, Pantry and Dining Room

Kitchen, Butler's Pantry and Dining Room 

The only thing we're STILL waiting on is the swinging glass door that goes between the pantry and the dining room.  It was paid for two years ago but has disappeared into the abyss.

Mud room

The mudroom -- with doors in both the front and back, we all use this as our primary entry and the dogs use it as their main area too.  Heated tile floors dry up spills (from the water bowl) and melt snow and ice that comes in on boots and jackets.

Everyone in the family has their own cubby (except the dogs have to share one).

The piece of furniture on the right is a built-in piece that has a large drawer on top. The bottom is a dog kennel where the girls like to nap.

Ice Skating Rink

The back yard is a fairly steep slope down to the Neponset River. However, about half way down is a flat spot that many years ago was a grass tennis court. Joe put in a hockey rink (complete with flood nights for night time use).

Backyard Patio Starting to Take Shape

Construction has started on the patio! There will be one level flush with the driveway that will be the dining area, and then a lower level, six steps down that will have a fireplace and sitting area.

The retaining wall that will separate the dining area from the fireplace area.

Stairs that will lead to the lower level

Unfinished look -- they'll be framed by more stone and will look much better!

The dining area, which is now just a mud pit due to all the trucks.

Standing at the edge of upper level looking toward lower level.

There was a very small deck (more like a landing) off the back of the house that we are extending in order to fit a table and chairs.

Progress on the stairs and lower level.

Stairs have been framed with rock wall.

The lower level is starting to look nice, however the fireplace is positioned incorrectly. It was supposed to be angled in the corner.  It will be moved...

The strip of dirt along the retaining wall (to the left of the orange line) will be an herb garden.  To the right of the orange line will be pavers for the dining area.

Work starts on the upper patio!

Lower patio complete except for fireplace and lights.

You can see the frame for the fireplace sitting on the driveway. It will be built around with stone.

Stone is down on the upper level 

Just needs lights, landscaping and furniture!

Fireplace construction is well underway!