Can't see the layout

Did not stick the first time...

Your freezer/fridge/oven wall is bad because for all those appliances you have no landing space!

Honestly, I'd move the sink and DW to the peninsula, move the range to where the sink is, and instead of a large window, put windows on either side of the range. Then I'd move the Fridge and freezer to next to the door to the dining room and where you now have the range. Keep the oven and Mw on the back wall and add counter space there too.

Yes I'd add counter space to the other side of the peninsula.

cpartist. Great ideas. Reasoning behind the window was to be able to keep eye on kids. For sure will change the size of the peninsula. Having two openings from the living room would look odd to me. Maybe ending the wall right after the stove so the peninsula is exposed?

I like the sink and range in the current locations, but cpartist's suggestions have merit.

Using her suggestions, I'd put a pony wall behind the peninsula, rather than expand it into the walkway. I'd also move the DR door down and change the swing, as well as change the swing on the pantry door. Recessing the fridge into the pantry and laundry spaces would give you a more streamlined look, and the freezer could also be recessed a couple of inches into the DR wall, if it's worth it to you.

You can store dishes in the uppers above the shallow counter, or if you choose to make the counter full depth, store dishes in drawers. Storing dishes on that side permits a helper to unload the DW or set the table, without entering the prep space. Dishes, cups, and glasses are also convenient for snacks, coffee, and drinks.

shanghaimom's pass-throughs:shanghaimom's kitchen reveal

I know you said you prefer a U shape kitchen and I agree a U shape works very well, but so does an L shape with an island if you're willing to consider it.

What I did here:

I moved the door over to create a straight path from the dining room and changed it from a swinging door to a regular door.

I changed the pantry door to a pocket door so there's no bumping of doors. You have the room to do this.

I created an L shape by putting the fridge and freezer at each end of the L but kept your sink and stove where you have it now.

I created an island which can be for extra seating or it's great for serving food during a buffet. Or it works as a secondary prep space if you do ever have extra help. Make it something like marble and it becomes a great surface for baking and making breads.

You still have your pass through and you don't have the peninsula blocking your other aisle.

Thanks so much! You guys got me thinking beyond ushaped. This is much harder and less fun than I thought it would be.....

I prefer the peninsula over the island because it will prevent people from walking through your working space.

Does your laundry room back onto the outside? If so I would move the washer and dryer to the outside wall so that the dryer can be a vented the dryer. They are more efficient.

Am still working on it between work and kids. Need to have it figured out by Saturday! That is why I like the peninsula. Keeps kids out of my way. There is a garage along that other wall.

What are the kids ages and do they ever help with prep or cleanup? I ask because if they do now or will in the future, I'm thinking an L shape with an island might work better especially if you consider putting a prep sink on the island.

And not fun now, but hopefully once you have it figured out, then the fun is picking the good stuff. :)