* GRACE *

Treehouse Fort

A new wooden playset has been on my husband’s vision board for a month or so, and we weren’t sure how we would get one in our current situation. He never gave up on the idea even when I was struggling with believing that it would happen anytime soon. I’m very happy to report that it came off of his vision board this weekend!

The background story…Unfortunately our next door neighbors, Amanda and Ben, are moving. We’re all sad about it, and yet excited for them and their new adventure. Our children all get along and love playing with each other. We’re praying for good neighbors because they’ve been fabulous ones. (If anyone’s interested in living next door to me, let me know and I’ll set you up! You’d have awesome neighbors on both sides!)

These wonderful neighbors made a treehouse platform in their globe willow tree a few months ago. I think my kids played in it more than their children. When they decided to move a few weeks ago, she offered to sell the treehouse to our family. My kids were all outside when she and I were talking about it, and they couldn’t have been more excited! They were so excited that they pulled their resources together and paid for 80% of the cost–all while my neighbor and I were still talking. I was quite surprised and grateful at the same time. I didn’t think we should spend the money. Then they came through with almost all of it, and we found a way to pay for the rest.

We knew that Independence Day weekend wasn’t going to work to move the treehouse, so David decided on the following weekend. He called Blue Stakes to make sure we weren’t digging into a power line. Then on Friday, David picked up the supplies he’d need and he began mapping out the area. He dug the four holes he needed. Our neighbor, Ben, raised the platform on some load locks and another support so we could use the same support posts in our holes. David and Ben then put the poles in the holes and squared them up. David was up until midnight pouring cement.

I wasn’t much help due to my feeling light-headed all day. My kids all wanted to help though, and to some extent they did whether it was holding a post, getting a screw, or staying in the house. I think all of them were finally in bed by 10:30 that night.

The cement was set enough by Saturday morning, and David got up and called some neighbors to come and help move the platform over the fence and up onto the support posts. Gratefully, there were seven strong men handling the situation, and everyone worked well together and accomplished the job. We’re so blessed to have such wonderful people in ward! (Another shameless plug for moving into my neighborhood!)

David and I both prayed that they would have strength, wisdom, and safety though neither of us talked about it before we said our own prayers. It was just what they needed too! Originally the plan was to just lift it off and move it over the fence easily. Then they found out how heavy it was and they ended up flipping it up and over the fence. (I can only describe it like a wheel turning or a somersault–only it’s not round at all.) They all said a prayer together and then did the job. I couldn’t watch, so I just stayed inside and prayed it would all go well.

We considered putting it in our tree, but it’s sort-of dying and we didn’t want it to be a main support to the structure. We just put it near the tree instead. It’s the only real shade we have in the backyard now. lol I’m excited for the adventures they’ll have in our backyard.

David finished putting up the toys and the side rails near the posts before leaving it so the cement could finish curing on Saturday. I’m grateful it was set up when a big rain storm hit on Sunday. I hadn’t watered my lawn for days, and it was getting pretty dry. Another blessing in the whole experience.

My kids were so anxious to play on it come Monday morning when David put the ladder on. It was great motivation to get them to so their chores and do it fairly well! I now have a clean quiet home since they’re all outside playing in it! Simple pleasures! Now that’s what I call a nice Monday!

Have a great Monday!