It's been a while since we've given an update, so here are some pictures of what we've been up to the last few weeks.

We worked on trimming out the columns...

...and here it is almost finished.

The decks have been recently removed.  New ledgers are going up which are now properly flashed and fastened to the house...definitely don't want these things coming down!

Not the best lighting, but here's a shot of the new sink and counter top.  If you want a farmhouse sink get the one from Ikea...it's nice looking and very cheap compared to the others out there.  It's a little tricky installing these though.  Most cabinet brands don't make a cabinet for these, so what we did is use an over-the-fridge cabinet on a 4" built-up base.  We then used filler panels to fill in the areas around the apron.  If it sounds like a lot of work it is, but in the end, like most things that are difficult, it's worth it.

You might notice we FINALLY have working downlights and wall outlets.  We found the perfect electrician so if anyone in the Richmond area is looking for one let us know.  Also many thanks to my sisters Mary and Berni & Mom for helping out with the painting...

...and to Dad for working out in the heat helping to fix the foundation wall.

And to make it feel like a finished space we installed our new (guess it's still new but it's been sitting in storage for 2 years) refrigerator!!  The end is finally near in these two rooms...we still need to finish up the pendant lights, under cabinet lighting, microwave install and crown molding above the cabinets.  Then it's onto the bathroom, but hey that's the last room so how hard can it be??