The beloved fort

I don't know a kid that doesn't love a good fort and mine are no exception. To be perfectly honest though, I don't know of a mom that does love one. Well, that's not fair....I think we all love to watch our kids be creative, spend time together, and problem solve. BUT, the mess that ensues can be overwhelming!

Recipe for a good fort?

• 2 or more kids
• lots and LOTS of pillows/cushions (preferably couch)
• ALL the spare blankets in the house
• anything "extra" they can stockpile into the tiny makeshift tent (boardgames, flashlights, stuffed animals, etc.... You know just in case they get bored)

Mix all together and you get this:andThis is the west wing aka The Panic Room

One trick to a good fort is leaving it up for several days. That way the kids get plenty of playtime and there is really just one BIG clean-up. Plus, if you are in a really good mood you will allow this:Nothing better than a "sleepover" in the fort! Unless.....You are "too big" now to play fort....which is surprisingly sad to me.

OR.... You are this guy....the master mind behind it all....who starts out sleeping in the fort, but finds it not quite as comfy as his own bed. Sleep tight little campers!

Enjoy your fort today.....for it will be gone soon!

Happy Father's Day

Love this man!

We just finished a great week at Lake Norris....where unfortunately we caught more than fish....strep, scarlet fever and ear infections....not a fun way to enjoy our vacation. But, we made the most of it. We still were able to enjoy fishing, tubing, wake boarding, and knee boarding! And we also endured.....the 190 steps to and from our cabin, swimming creatures in the lake, and sore muscle we didn't know we had. In the end....lots of family time with plenty of laughs....a win....WIN!

Going to the lake is not easy and it definitely is takes a lot of work....but we always leave with great memories! Thanks for all the hard work you put into this lake trip! We really do "heart" you dad!