Brief Summary
This episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition marks the show's 100th build, focusing on the Swinson-Lee family in Minnesota. The family consists of Vicki and Eric Swinson, their three children, and Vicki's four orphaned nieces and nephews who they took in after a tragic domestic violence incident where their mother was murdered. The episode highlights the family's need for a larger home to accommodate their growing family and provide a safe, healing environment for the children who experienced significant trauma.
- The build aims to provide not just a house, but a space for healing and advocacy against domestic violence.
- Past families from the show return to help with the build, creating a sense of community and support.
- The episode emphasizes themes of family, resilience, and the importance of community in overcoming tragedy.
Intro
The episode is the 100th of the show. The team is in Minaka, Minnesota, ready to start the renovation.
Remembering Past Families
The hosts reflect on the impact of the show over 100 episodes, recalling stories of families they've helped, such as the Cabina family from Texas, who had two daughters battling cancer, the Ginyard family, who escaped a domestic abuse situation, and Christina, a police officer who was shot. They celebrate the growth of their own families alongside the families they've assisted.
Meet the Swinston Lee Family
The Swinston-Lee family is introduced through a video. Eric and Vicki Swinson have three children: Taylor, Tyler, and Samantha. Vicki's sister, Terry Lee, had four children: Taylor, Tyler, Trevor, and Tera. Terry was a victim of domestic violence and was murdered by her ex-boyfriend, along with her current boyfriend, Tim. Vicki and Eric took in Terry's four children, bringing the total number of children in their home to seven, with another baby on the way. The family is living in a three-bedroom house that is too small for their needs. Vicki has become an advocate against domestic violence, working with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to promote legislation to improve laws regarding domestic violence.
The Need for a New Home
The current house is too small for the family of nine, soon to be ten. The children need space to call their own to provide a sense of belonging and comfort. The family needs a place to heal from the trauma they have experienced.
The Team Arrives
The team arrives to meet the Swinston-Lee family. The hosts discuss the impact of the tragedy on the children, particularly Taylor, who has witnessed the deaths of both her parents. They emphasize the importance of providing the family with a bigger home to help them heal. The family is sent on vacation to Disneyland while the team works on the house.
Inside the House
Vicki shows the team around the house, highlighting the lack of space and the need for more room. The team discusses the trauma the children have experienced and the importance of providing them with a place to heal. The children express their wishes for the new house, including a dining room table for family bonding and a canopy bed for Taylor.
Focus on Domestic Violence
Vicki and Taylor discuss their advocacy work against domestic violence. They emphasize the importance of stopping domestic violence and preventing it from happening to other children. The team emphasizes that this week is about telling the story of domestic violence and raising awareness about its impact.
Past Families Return
Since it's the 100th episode, some of the families the show has helped before are flown in to make the episode more special. It's like a family reunion.
Design Ideas
The design team discusses their plans for the children's rooms, including an Elmo-themed room for the twins, Stella and Olivia, a volleyball-themed room for Samantha, and a pink room for Tera. Vicki expresses her desire to donate some of the items from the old house to people who could use them.
Remembering Terry
Vicki reflects on the night her sister was killed and the impact it has had on her family. She emphasizes the importance of preventing domestic violence and saving lives.
Demolition Day
The team begins demolishing the old house, with plans to recycle and salvage as much as possible. The local church helps to salvage items from the house to give to families who can use them.
Building the New House
The team meets with Tom and Jason from TJB Homes, the builders for the week. They discuss the importance of raising awareness about domestic violence and helping the family heal. The community comes together to help with the demolition and construction of the new house.
Day 3: Construction Progress
The construction of the new house is underway. The house will be 5600 square feet, with three floors, seven bedrooms, and five baths. The design team continues to work on the children's rooms, including steel bunk beds for Trevor and Tyler and a pink room for Tera.
Past Families Help Build
Past families who have been on the show return to help with the build. They share their stories of how the show has changed their lives and express their support for the Swinston-Lee family.
Day 4: Memorial for Terry and Tim
Steve, Tim's brother, volunteers to help with the build. The team creates a memorial in the backyard to honor Terry and Tim. Elmo helps with Stella and Olivia's room.
Shopping Trip
The team goes on a shopping trip with Veronica Ginyard to furnish the new house. Veronica shares her story of escaping domestic violence and emphasizes the importance of helping the Swinston-Lee family.
Day 5: Sports-Themed Room
The team continues to work on the house, with a focus on the sports-themed room for Trevor and Tyler. They visit local sports teams to gather memorabilia for the room.
Elmo's World
The team adds the finishing touches to Stella and Olivia's Elmo-themed room.
Memorial Garden
The team creates a memorial garden for Terry and Tim, with a stone that has a symbol on it that means a lot to the family.
Day 6: Secret Project
Ty reveals his secret project: a playroom for the whole family.
Barbecue with Past Families
The past families who have helped with the build invite the design team and volunteers to a barbecue to thank them for their hard work.
The Starkey Hearing Foundation
Bill Austin from the Starkey Hearing Foundation surprises the family with a $200,000 scholarship fund for the children's education.
Welcome Home
The Swinston-Lee family arrives home to see their new house.
Tour of the New House
The family tours their new house, expressing their gratitude and excitement. The house includes a great room, a dining table for family bonding, a laundry room, and personalized bedrooms for each of the children.
Security System
The house is equipped with a security system to provide the family with peace of mind.
Messages from Past Families
Past families share messages of support and encouragement for the Swinston-Lee family.
Memorial Stone
The family gathers at the memorial stone for Terry and Tim, remembering their loved ones.
Playroom and Backyard
The family explores the playroom and backyard, expressing their joy and gratitude.
Final Thoughts
The team reflects on the impact of the show and the importance of helping families in need. They emphasize the resilience of the Swinston-Lee family and their commitment to making a difference in the world. The episode ends with the family playing volleyball in their new backyard.
