The Finish Line

Well it seems amazing to us that over a year ago we began the process of expanding 431 and now we have come to this milestone. Perhaps it is a part of our DNA to grow and shape where we live to make it our own.


















We sketched designs at the beach. We were urged by Leo, Paul, and Larry to think about proportion, function, and aesthetics. The designs became plans and then permits. Suddenly the moment was upon us when we borrowed a Bobcat (dubbed the "Snort" by Amblen) and we dug a hole.






































Block went in and we had a new foundation for the future.























The brick came off and we knew there was no turning back. Things moved pretty fast, as framing seems to do, and we moved along.



































It was amazing to see our friends and family pitch in without asking (of course they were plied with beer and food along the way).

Josh Will stuccoed on a hot day and reorganized the garage.

Trip had every tool in the book and can make old trim look as if it's brand new.

We began the big push in June and the family and friends rallied.

















Larry custom fit each floor joist to match the uneven existing house, milled trim to fit any window, hung doors with perfect detail, showed up early every Saturday for help with the siding, and snaked wires through walls.

Gary showed up ready to work. He finished tasks large and small with work ethic and endurance that never ceased. A trait he has certainly passed on to Cindy.

Derek and Mandie arrived when they were needed most and provided several late nights of work with headlamps blazing long after the sun had set.





































Mason and Celia brought food and tirelessly spackled, sanded, and painted.

Jan, Suz, Rosalie, and Stan provided a diversion for Amblen when his building expertise had reached post-nap limits as well as setting us up with pieces in the perfect kitchen imaginable.

Gaga, dropped by weekly and told us how proud he was.






































Damon and Michelle showed up randomly with Mellow Mushroom pizza and a free hand at all the right moments.

Billy and Sarah can finish trim and keep us sane with beers at any 11th hour (and the 12th and 13th. . .)





































As always, Josh Lewis, was a right-hand man ready to re-run cable, spend time in the crawl space, run to lowes, and pick up truckloads of mulch.

Aaron's cabinets of locally cut and milled walnut with perfect craftsmanship make the kitchen an amazing place to be.
































































Jake's artistry in laying Saltillo and recycled glass tile is reminiscent of an Italian grotto.

Claudia was ready at a moment's notice with painting clothes and a smile.











































Paul provided much-appreciated direction.































"Oh I get by with a little help from my friends. . .

Mmm, gonna try with a little help from my friends

Oh I get high with a little help from my friends. . ."

Thank you to everyone for making this a reality!