While Brad was on a long business trip to Asia a couple weeks ago, I flew to West Virginia for a week to visit Breck, Iris, and Mancha. Even though the kids were in the middle of a total kitchen remodel we did a lot of fun things, and went to places I’d never visited before. Breck and Iris were such great hosts, and I couldn’t have imagined such a wonderful time spent with them despite everything going on in their lives, and not-so-great timing on my part.

Breck and Iris have completely transformed their little house in Ranson, West Virginia! They have done most of the work themselves (with help from Iris’ family), gutting practically every room in the house and even adding an extra bathroom off of the main bedroom. The kitchen is the last main project to be completed (other than windows and framing), and some of it was done during my visit. Other than washing our dishes in the bathroom sink (no kitchen sink or faucet), and using the air fryer and instant pot for cooking (no rang top oven), I think we managed pretty well. Since moving in, Breck and Iris have been very blessed to have family (and family connections) available and willing to help them fix up their home. Most recently, Iris’ stepdad has completed most of the work in the kitchen (that’s after working construction all day at his regular job, and then driving 45 min-1 hour one way to Breck & Iris’), and Iris’ brother put in the tile floor, even laying it in a herringbone pattern, which requires a lot of extra cutting (and love)!

The make-shift work area outside to protect the tile saw and other construction paraphernalia from getting ruined in the rain.

What the kitchen looked like the day I arrived.

Iris’ brother Bryan doing a beautiful job laying the new tile flooring!

The sleek mat black sink and beautiful quartz countertops were put in a few days after I arrived.

The white quartz countertops are so pretty with with specks of black and grey and random glass-flecks that catch the light and sparkle. The center island (that Iris’ stepdad Diego built) is the perfect size for preparing food or eating meals on the barstools.

The center island is also just the right size for Breck and Mancha to run around and play tag (just like two little kids!)

A few days after I left the new appliances were installed!

Mancha approves of the new stovetop (with protective plastic still attached…at least until she figures out how to remove it😆), because she knows how happy Momma Iris will be cooking her eggs there every morning!

And Grandma Ali (Mimi) can’t get over that glass fridge…it truly is an art piece, and really ties the whole kitchen together nicely!

And of course, let’s not forget the new dishwasher and garbage disposal, both of which were absent in the old kitchen!

The kitchen is so amazing now, and I am so glad they were able to complete it before Winter and new baby’s arrival!

I also had fun playing with Mancha, who’s favorite game is to nonchalantly place her dirty toy next to you or in your lap and wait for you to pick it up so she can attack it, or wait for you to throw it so she can fetch it and bring it back to you. The above pictures are of Mancha getting an impromptu bath after playing in the yard and getting all muddy, and Breck trying out his little doggy carrier (they are best of friends!). And Mancha’s favorite thing to do is ride in the car with Breck and Iris because she knows there’s an adventure to be had…

Okay, maybe it’s not the safest way to ride (do they make doggy car seats?) but she did spend some time on mine and Iris’ laps as well. But you can see who her favorite travel buddy is!🫶

After a long day, we all enjoyed watching tv or movies via the projector and big screen in Breck and Iris’ living room. Through the years, I have really come to appreciate the viewing and sound quality of watching anything at Breck and Iris’ house!

Stay tuned for more West Virginia blog installments where I’ll share all of our outdoor adventures!!