staycation 2011 (the fort)

welcome to our staycation 2011 fort.
 

last year we began a summer tradition of building a huge fort that covers nearly a third of the attic.  it is big enough for the whole family to camp out in.  and we did!  for the last 11 days, this has been hart clan headquarters.  we spent more than half of those nights sleeping up here too.  oh the memories of aching backs and early mornings.  :)  the memories we made were completely worth it all.

we began construction on the fort by stretching twine across the room and securing the ends to various high places (a curtain rod, an air vent, a shelf bracket), making sure to choose items that could handle some weight and pressure.  next came the stringing of our lights, pulled from the christmas decor bins.  finally we clipped vintage sheets to the twine with clothespins.  extra clothespins came in handy to hold entryways open when needed.  (because a 20 month old needs easy access.)

last year the fort would get super hot due to poor ventilation.  we corrected this design flaw by keeping the top open this year, but kept it magical with the crisscrossed lights. 

only an hour's worth of easy work for a week and half's worth of enjoyment.

it honestly was only this clean at the very beginning and the very end.  the rest of the time it was pillow and blanket strewn, with tea parties and lego creations underfoot.

considering the week was kind of a bust as far as actual relaxation taking place, i am super thankful we had this getaway available.  if you are going to be sick on staycation, a giant indoor fort is the place to be.  (thanks ohdeedoh, for the shout out there.)  and if you are going to be called in to the office on several of your days off work, a mama surely appreciates this distraction for the littles.  and if you lose patience and start to bicker at the beach, coming home and watching a movie with family snuggle time is a great way to restore the day.

we might not be able to travel far away, but i pray these kiddos will remember the adventures had inside these walls sheets.

thanks for stopping over for a virtual visit.  the fort comes down tonight, but i will gladly build you another if you come over for a stay.

closing up the week

 

we only have three more days of our staycation.  it has been way different than planned, but still full of togetherness.
fun in the sun and fun in the fort.
and i can't forget the daily yumminess on our tour of frozen treats.
plus i am getting a mini studio/office makeover!
just in time to start a new year of homeschool next week. oh yes.

************************************************ 

there was not a new day in her life post yesterday, but have you read all of the amazing posts from my previous guests?

megan of contented sparrow

meg of whatever

ruth of grace laced

casey of the wiegands

alicia of la famille

kirstin of kojo designs

i have more super special guests next month.
i am soooo excited to get a look at their days.
you are in for a treat, friends.

************************************************

did you catch my wednesday post?
it didn't publish when i expected, so it kinda got lost in the mix.

************************************************

also, last call for august sponsors.  check here for more details. 
it will be a great month to jump on board.

************************************************

that's about it for now.  i am off to draw dragons with a 6yo and then hit up a pool perhaps.  ooh and maybe arrange the new peg board later. 

happy friday!
xoxo,
annalea

staycation fort to the rescue

this year's staycation fort has seen more use than expected.  that's what happens when the mama and the papi both come down with a stomach bug.  um, yeah, not so fun.  but if your going to be sick, you might as well be resting in a super cool fort made with your favorite vintage sheets and lit by christmas lights, right?

taking a quick run to the library for books and dvds helps, too.  playing lots of 20 questions and i spy is also pretty entertaining.  (you can count on gia to ask something like "is it my little toe?" every couple minutes.  adorable.)  trying to get these two to fall asleep can be tricky though.  (yes, we are all camping out up here.)

we seem to be on the mend and (hopefully) staycation plans will resume tomorrow. the 2011 tour of treats must continue!  (more on that later.)