Tree Fort!

Today was the day!  We have been talking and planning for this all summer and now was the time!

Why is this guy so excited?  Well, for one, the temperature outside was only 80 degrees instead of 100 and that meant it was prime tree fort building weather!

Of course, we had to eat the reinforcement donuts before most of the actual work got started.  At this point, the only thing that was done was hauling the wood to the back yard and arguing the position of the tree to the fort.

Oh, and I had laid out the soaker hose for a day or two to soften up the concrete ground.  Remember this summer when it never rained?  The ground was a little tough, but Jim dug those post holes like a champ.

At this time we also discovered that the grapevine had produced a bunch of tasty grapes.  That takes care of snack for the day.

Our friend, Nick, was in town this particular weekend and staying at the Taller Hotel.  We let him work off his rent by holding up floor joist while Jim screwed the frame together.  He even talked one of his friends into being a helper too.  Nick can come visit anytime. 

Wait a second, get back to work Nick!  This fort has a long way to go!

Shoring up the support on the tree.

Well, it looks like it will be strong enough.  We all helped getting the decking up there

I spent a good hour screwing the boards in to make sure it's nice and safe for our kids.

After much discussion about what was considered safe, Jim and Evie placed the rails on the fort at a precise height of "less than Annalise's head".  We don't want anyone rolling off in all the fun.

A few more safty rails and the ladder and it was almost done.

Then we installed the pulley salvaged from Grandpa's neighbor's falling down barn.  A new life for that pulley!

Look carefully to see that Evie wrote "kids Clubhouse" with chalk on the fort.

Our ladder that Mr. Glenn helped to build.

And the finished fort ready for some fun.  Thanks to all who helped.