Demolition!

As many of you have heard, the Lansing Court house is undergoing an extensive makeover, including new paint, new carpet, new drapes, and maybe a few other things... I thought it my job to chronicle the momentous occasion!

Step one: removal of all wall hangings and furniture. For those of you that know the mantle above mom and dad's fireplace, you know this was no easy task. Taking down the family pictures was itself an all-day affair!
But where'd all the furniture go?? Down the hall and to the right as demonstrated by Larry:
Step 2: Removal of wallpaper... what a job! Just think... all those months Dawna and Adele were getting in trouble for picking at the wallpaper... come on, Nana, they were just getting a head start on what they knew would be a long and arduous task!
And the kitchen is complete!

The Hallway was extremely NO FUN! In this picture, it looks great... however, that was just the top layer of paper... under that was more paper; under that, a painted sealant; under THAT, really old thick wallpaper... all of it had to go and it required the use of water sprayers and several mean-looking tools:

Step 3: Carpet removal! Say a fond farewell to lime green shag! Look how beautiful the hardwood floors are! Mom and dad are still taking votes on whether to keep it or cover it with carpet:

Step 4: Painting prep: baseboards removed, piano covered, etc:

Mom says she likes the chandelier better all covered in plastic...shows how much she's liked it over the years...

And now... the first steps of reconstruction:

First, the hallway walls re-textured and painted (I think the wood floor looks particularly beautiful in this picture):
Second, living room walls are starting to get color! I LOVE the blue/gray color! Can't wait to see what it looks like Without the green carpet...
So that's the update so far... every day something else happens. I think today is crown molding day... I'll try to get as many step-by-step pictures as I can... even though my camera isn't the best! It's gonna be gorgeous, guys!