The cement mixer (as Rett calls it) came for the first pour. This was for the footings, they are completely under the dirt, we wont see them at all once it is back filled.
The contractor formed them all up and then covered them in those thick tarps so they would be ready for cement. It has been really cold. He said he added an accelerant to the cement to make it dry quicker. Seems to have worked!
Ryan and the kids did the garage excavating. We had to extend our already existing cement pad 8 feet and then dig around it all for the footings. Then lots and lots of gravel and raking and shoveling, perfect for a bunch of kids!
It is coming along now!
The plans for the garage came from the drafts lady yesterday. They look good and official! Ryan took them to the Planning and zoning this morning. Hopefully the paper work wont take longer than the garage will take to build. Im nervous!
Ryan also started a little excavating and brought in some gravel. 
Ryan and I have been wanting, (and needing) to get a fireplace in our house for sometime. We are always reminded we need one when the power goes out and we get COLD! We wanted to put it in upstairs, but decided we would wait on that (we have a entire remodel project planned for the kitchen so we thought we would do it then) ANYWAY, the winter construction projects are beginning and this is the first!
I originally wanted to put the fire in the middle of the room (right where the circle mirror is), but we decided the corner would be best. Ryan got it all framed and ready for the propane guy to come.
We found a propane insert used on craigslist, Dad would be proud! I just hope it works! I forgot to take a picture of it. Hopefully we will have it up and running in a week (or two) We plan to put rock on the face of it. It should turn out really pretty!
