The tear down

The construction crew has made progress on our house in recent weeks. Two weeks ago I ran by the house in the morning and I saw this view in the backyard. The deep holes for the pier and beam foundation were drilled and the metal reinforcements (that come before the concrete pour) were starting to be placed in the holes.

Then we went on vacation around the Christmas holiday for a week and we returned to this view, looking from the alley towards the back of the house. The edges of the new foundation have been poured and all the piers are secured with concrete. And yes, the backyard is still a mess.

It's hard to believe this is a photo from two Easters ago, taken on the back deck that is now dissipated.  Scott and kids were standing just in front of the french doors on the deck that is now missing.

This is a view of the front family room taken about four years ago, just after we had the hardwood floors refinished. You can note the difference between this view and the next one below, early in the demolition phase yesterday.

This is a view taken yesterday from the front entryway, looking to the right towards Amelia's (mint green room on the right) ad John's (turquoise room on the left) rooms. There used to be a closet and wall between these two spaces.

This photo was taken today, just past the prior point looking toward the kids' bathroom and John's bedroom. Note the bathtub that remains in the kids' bathroom and the fact that John's turquoise walls are now missing.

Again, a photo from four years ago when we had the hardwood floors refinished. This is the back family room.

And a similar view towards the same fireplace that I took today. 

I was pretty much in shock the whole time I was in the house today. As much as I want our house to be remodeled for the better, I can't help but feel dismay towards how quickly a home can be dismantled with a half dozen sledgehammers. The last shot below is looking from the back french doors towards the old kitchen. The red wall still standing used to serve as a dividing area between the breakfast table and the kitchen.