Monday, October 06, 2008

lean-to


Well, we don't know how long the lean-to will last, but it was certainly still standing tall this morning when the kids went out to see their fort.

They spent some more time packing in damp leaves and laying smaller logs on top of the fort before we left for a day out with our homeschool co-op. They couldn't wait to get home to work on it some more and spent the day trying to convince me to let them camp out overnight in it.

I told them they could have a half-sleepover. You know, everything you would do on an overnight of camping out right up until the point when you would actually fall asleep.

After numerous mentions of terms like nightfall, supplies, sleeping bags, flashlights and the possibility of wolves, they were all set to take up their spaces in the little fort.




I don't know what they were talking about during their time in the fort. I do know that they were happy and made do with a bowl of buttered popcorn and a flashlight. They were content and proud and feeling quite independent.

This is a view from inside the fort. As you can see, lots and lots of wood and leaves were used to build this thing. But more than that, loads of creativity, large amounts of muscle and a great deal of brother-sister teamwork.

They were proud. But I think I was even more proud.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Jill,
My name is Jill too, I am Kristen's cousin. I just wanted to say hi and tell you how much I have been enjoying your blog for the past few weeks. I love the ways you are creatively teaching your children and how you are so in tune with their distinct personalitites and needs.

I have a few questions...
where is the farmer's market that you go to?
also, how did you and your husband come to decide to homeschool your children? I am so interested in learning more about homeschooling, but think it would be really hard to get my husband to agree to it.

I love your post about the mundane and the vitalness of mother-work. you put it so well.

Take good care.
Jill redapplepie(at)hotmail(dotcom)

Jackie said...

wow. very impressive and such fun!

Anonymous said...

i want to come over and play in the fort! it reminds me of when i was little and built an igloo with my dad in the backyard. xo, chrissy

Amanda said...

This is a tremendous example of teamwork.

I love that you helped them do this...and then be out there in the dark. They will remember it always.

lovingmom said...

Love the pics and the kiddos! We miss them:) And why shouldn't they (and you) be proud?! It is a fabulous lean-to and would definitely provide shelter in your "time of need". We love you all! Keep up the blogging, we enjoy it so!

Anonymous said...

Now that is exactly why I homeschool! Having our kids home to enjoy things like building a lean-to...love it! Tell you kids Great Job!

I just discovered your blog via Donna at blessed nest who posted on my blog...like a cyber treasure hunt following the links finding new gems! I will certainly by following your little gem! Kim

daniele @ domestic serenity said...

oh, you should be proud! what a tremendous amount of effort that really paid off into some old-fashioned fun. just wonderful...