progress...

 We had to run out to do some errands shortly after Geoff got here.  We made a quick pit stop back before heading to HD for our designer appt.  Then we got back at 430 and we found all this!

He is replacing the header, so he had to make a temporary support for the ceiling, so the studs that you see above won't be staying.

Then he had to make some head room under the steps so that we could walk into our pantry.  So he did that.

 Then we went to the Kitchen Designer.  We couldn't get the cabinets ordered because there is a special order one that I decided to change.  So then he had to redesign it to submit for pricing.

So this is technically, the final plan.  Whew.  Now, I have a day to work it through my mind and make changes...or, to just live with it.

I have to admit that Geoff and Chris are great with the helpers of the house.  They've learned their commands and give them love but then shoo them away.  When we came by for our pit stop, Cozmo was quite shell shocked from the nail gun and compressor that they were using.  I opened the back door for the boys to go out, but it was raining and H took Cozmo's other kennel upstairs to give him another option to "escape".    We did have a short bit of quiet and I could tell that the boys were enjoying it.

Well, the header will be put back before nightfall, so the extra wall will be gone and the support for the stairs is being completed as I type.  Then we won't see Geoff until Jan.  Will keep you posted on any and all other progress!