Porch Repairs...

We were having moisture getting into our storm shelter which is located directly below the front porch, so yesterday the builders set up the necessary repairs to prevent the water from getting in. They had to take off the top 3 bricks all around the porch, then they had to grind the joint, add flashing and caulk and then re-brick. It was an all-day job yesterday. They finished around 4pm yesterday afternoon. There was dust everywhere, so it took me an hour to sweep and clean all the windows and the front door. Then we can to clean out the storm shelter too because a lot of dust and chunks of brick got down there. We're SO glad it's done!

Here's a picture of the porch as the masons are putting the brick back on. It was the perfect day to do it...it was 60 degrees and warm and sunny. It felt like spring.

Here's a close-up picture. The cement from the porch is on top and then just below the cement you can see the green flashing that they added in the joint and the top of the bricks below they had just put back on. We've learned a lot about construction through our building process.

This is how I found Alex and Jarem when I came back in from cleaning the porch. I thought it was pretty cute. I was glad Alex was taking care of Jarem (who had missed his nap), even if he was doing it while playing a computer game. :)
A close-up of Alex and Jarem...they are becoming really good buddies. Pictures like this give me hope and comfort on those bad days when the sibling fighting seems to never end. I love catching them in a moment like this.