Water Line Replacement

Two weeks ago, we received notice from Loudoun Water stating that they believed we had a water leak due to increased water usage over last two quarters. It turned out that they were correct and we had a leak in our external line that connects the house to the water main line. The house was built with a polybutylene pipe, which apparently is prone to leaking and bursting. Since identifying the problem, I've learned that this is quite common in homes built between 1978 and 1994. There was a class action lawsuit in the mid-nineties and the material is no longer used, but for those of us who have it in our homes, replacement is inevitable at one point or another. If you live in Virginia and have polybutylene pipe, you should sign up for Dominion's Water Line Replacement Program, I wish we had!

We hired a company that specializes in water line replacements and the work got started last Tuesday. They hand dug a partial trench, then they were able to mole a line through the other half of the front yard. They drilled a hole through the side of the foundation to run the new copper pipe into the house and replaced the pressure and shut-off valve in the basement. Thankfully, they only had to work with piping in the unfinished part of the basement. The project took about 4.5 hours and the water was only shut off for 2 hours. The crew accidentally cut the Comcast Cable line when the dug the trench though, so it took two extra days to fill the hole in. Thankfully, the hole was closed before the weekend and we were able to call the project completed.

Here are some photos from the project. I know they aren't exciting for all, but I thought my father in law might be interested.

This trench was done by hand. The guys took care in cutting the grass into sod-like pieces that they could lay back on the lawn after the work was done.

This hole, by the house, between the two bushes, was dug using the backhoe. Brennan loved watching the machinery in our front yard. Thankfully, the crew used plywood and tarps to protect our lawn and walkway. They ran the copper pipe through a PVC pipe in the foundation, then cemented it in place. A waterproof seal was placed on the outside of the foundation where the new hole was drilled.

Our old water line, which came in through the floor was cut and sealed off in cement. The new line has an easy working shut-off valve now.

Lastly, the holes in the front yard were filled in and the grass was placed back in place. Not bad, considering what had happened to it just days earlier.

Cooking Class

I think I've mentioned before that Brennan enjoys cooking. Brian had Brennan help make pasta sauce on Monday night. Brennan poured the sauce cans into the crock pot. Brian let Brennan push the button on the mini-Cuisinart, used for chopping the onion and garlic. Lastly, Brennan helped stir the onion and garlic into the sauce. He was so happy to help and kept making the sign for "more." He also wanted to taste his creation. It was fun to watch him have fun in the kitchen. Here is a little video of them in action together. (Sorry that Brennan doesn't have any pants on, but I was about to get him ready for bed when this little adventure got started.)

Food Fun

I have been allowing Brennan to get a little messy at meal time and had some random photos that I thought you might enjoy. Here he is offering Brian some left over cake from Mother's Day.

Brennan likes ketchup, but I'm not sure what is more fun, dipping his chicken strips in it, or using it to create a beard. Of late, every time I put ketchup on his plate, he rubs it in his hands and smears it on his face.
While snacking on some chips, I asked him to smile for a photo and this is the face I got. He is pretty funny in that he squints his eyes when he is asked to smile.

Lastly, Brennan recently figured out how to climb in his high chair all by himself. Since he can do it himself, he now no longer wants us to help him get in. Here's a quick video of him climbing in on his own.

Playdate with LI Friends

I recently reconnected with an old church friend from Long Island who is now living in Arlington. Today, Bethany and her husband, Dan, and their two year old daughter, Avery, came for lunch. We couldn't have asked for nicer weather. Brian did some grilling and then we spent the entire afternoon playing outside. Bethany, thanks for making a delicious chocolate cake!

Avery took a real interest in Brennan's toy piano and sang Twinkle Twinkle Little Star for us, while playing piano. I caught one round on camera and am posting it here for Avery's grandma to enjoy.

Swim Class

Brennan attended a swim class at the Claude Moore Recreation Center during the month of April. The class met once a week, on Friday mornings. Brian and I never attended together, so I didn't have much hope for getting photos, but on the last day of class, one of the dads offered to take a few photos of Brennan and send them to me. Thought you'd enjoy seeing them.

The toddler area of the pool is just 1.5 feet. The rest of the pool is 3.5 feet, so it was easy to help Brennan "swim" around. The class acclimated the kids to the pool, helping them establish comfort in the water. The slide wasn't part of the class, but it was where the kids flocked at the end of class. I could see that Brennan made progress with each class. I think this class warmed us up for plenty of pool fun this summer!

Wet and Wild in NY

Brennan and I went to NY this weekend. We drove up on Friday afternoon, visited friends in NJ along the way and spent Friday night at Mariah and Howie's house. Brennan had fun playing with Avery and Olivia in the morning, then we made a quick visit to Aunt Kerry and Uncle Philip, before heading out to Jamesport to see my parents and Debby. Saturday was a hot day and Brennan stayed cool by watering the plants and himself. He kept trying to squirt mom and I with his bath toys.

Sunday wasn't as nice of a day, but it was still on the warm side. We took a walk down to the beach so Brennan could check it out. This was the first time that Brennan was on a beach. He seemed to like the sand, which he called dirt, and wanted to put his feet in the water. He enjoyed picking up rocks and throwing them into the water. I think this is a good sign for the summer!

Mama and Poppy came for dinner, and we also got a visit with Uncle Pete and his girlfriend Meg. Brennan's allergies were acting up and his nose was running a lot. He liked the relief that the aspirator gave him and tried to help himself! Although, he realized quickly that it didn't work quite as good as when Mommy did it!

On Monday, while everyone was at work, Mom and I took Brennan to the Atlantis Aquarium in Rivherhead. Brennan liked seeing the the fish in the tanks. This huge ugly one seemed to follow us as we walked.

We spent quite a bit of time feeding the sting rays, which excited and scared Brennan at the same time. He kept asking us to feed them again, but wouldn't feed them or touch them himself. The sting rays came right up to the edge of the tank. You could pet them and they made grunting sounds at the food. I was surprised at how aggressive they actually were. By the time we left, Brennan was soaked, but was all smiles.