- 2 excited helpers
 |
| From Tree Fort 2009 |
 |
| From Tree Fort 2009 |
- and one handy Daddy
 |
| From Tree Fort 2009 |
- a small sturdy tree in a neglected corner of the backyard
- a strong scrap piece of plywood dug out of the garage
- assorted scrap pieces of wood purchased from Home Depot for about $5
(many hardware stores will sell you scrap for very cheap- 25 or 50 cents per piece around here, and if you are lucky there will be some good pieces to choose from)
- hammer, nails
- pen, speed square and tape measure
- power saw (only for Daddy's use)
- a basket and twine
- one jolly roger flag
- a few hours of daylight
Littleman was eager to begin, and quickly set out most of the supplies.
 |
| From Tree Fort 2009 |
Billy began with some supports, and soon had the floor securely nailed in place.
 |
| From Tree Fort 2009 |
Next came the ladder, piece by piece. . .
(photos by Billy)
so that the kids could climb up
 |
| From Tree Fort 2009 |
and help build the rails.
 |
| From Tree Fort 2009 |
 |
| From Tree Fort 2009 |
(photos by Billy)
Billy toasted the ongoing project with a glass of red wine, which he thoroughly enjoyed, even after sharing it with the bugs!
 |
| From Tree Fort 2009 |
(photo by Billy)
The boys were enjoying themselves so much, that no one wanted to stop when night fell- Littleman least of all! Billy even held the flashlight for him so he could hammer the last couple nails in.
 |
| From Tree Fort 2009 |
(photo by Billy)
Everything had to be just right before they finally put their tools away and came inside for dinner. Mission accomplished!
The next day, I was able to get a nice picture of the fort- it has already become a favorite spot, of course!
 |
| From Tree Fort 2009 |
It's not very fancy- but it also wasn't expensive, didn't take long, and the kids are so proud of their part in building it! It's absolutely perfect.
Posts
5 comments:
I just adored getting to see this whole process. It's really quite remarkable and definitely a realy work of love. The photos are fantastic, but then they always are. I love how you took them in stages. What a wonderful gift to give your kids. They will NEVER forget this tree house. They will eat up there, maybe sleep up there, hold secret meetings up there. LOL! All kids need a place like this. It really fosters the magic in them. I want to build a full-size tree house some day to live in. The thought of living amongst all those leaves and swaying branches is just pure bliss for me. This whole post was a work of art. Just wonderful. Hugs, Robin
Taking the photos in stages like that was Billy's idea! Isn't it great? I think it makes the post.
They've already lunched up there- hopefully I'll get those pictures up soon! They had a blast.
Have you seen these tree houses?
http://www.freespiritspheres.com/
This is superb... I SO want a Pirate fort for myself :D If only we had a large and sturdy enough tree...
Oh it's lovely to come and visit, I've missed seeing what you are getting up to and it looks like you are still ensuring a lot of fun is had by all! I used to make little dens in the woods when I was a kid but never got to do anything like this, and it's right there in the back garden too! Your boys are very lucky kids :D
It makes me feel good to be reminded that my kids are indeed lucky. We go about our business of trying to live enriching lives, and forget to step back and be grateful for what we've accomplished and all the things we've already provided for our children. It's mostly some pretty good stuff, I think. Thanks!
I love the pictures and that handy dad did not go for form and just function. For the ones that are not remotely as handy it is good to see. Thank you, s from Boston
Post a Comment