For posterity’s sake, I’m going to be recording The Boy’s Tree Fort Project here on the blog. The tree fort has been on my guys’ list for some time. Here is the start they’ve made.
To begin, The Boy sat down with his pen and paper and wrote out a list of things he wanted as part of his dream tree fort. After some discussion between he and Lo, a few tweaks were made to the list… Here’s what they agreed on.
The Boy subsequently sketched out some impressions of what the innards and out-ards of the fort might look like. Here are those sketches.
A few weekends ago they cleared the site of an old ornamental well which we’d previously (about 4 years ago) transformed into a covered bench for The Boy (see the final photo). I also dug out many plants from around the well. They are now in storage awaiting a new home.
This past weekend, Lo and The Boy began the tree fort work in earnest.
They dug 4 beautiful holes, 4 feet deep to reach below the frost line, and installed a concrete pillar in each hole. On top of each pillar is a metal bracket. Eventually, beams will span the width of the pillars and be held in place within these brackets. But that’s a story for another day… For now, we have 4 lovely new pillars that will cure until next weekend when (hopefully) the next chapter will begin!
I have to say. It’s pretty neat to stand back and watch them build this thing together. Lo is very patient with The Boy, explaining the purpose of every step, answering The Boy’s questions, and encouraging him to take up the tools and be part of the process as much as possible.
I always feel so lucky to have such a fine daddy for my little one. They make my heart go pitter-pat just watching them together.
♥M
My heart goes pitter-pat for you!!
Oh my Gosh!! That list is a killer 🙂
To replace the i-pod for a bird house is a tremendous sacrifice, don't you agree Michele? And an alarm instead of a computer? Wow!
Love, love, love the project and cannot wait to see it built!
Sounds like a lot of fun will be had putting this together!!
Ah ha haha! I love the "iPod" revised into "bird house". Was it the Boy's idea to change it?
You know it's serious when concrete is involved! How fun.
the wish list is so funny!! They have done a great work together : good team!!
xxxx Alessandra
Those are the most beautiful holes, exhausting dig I imagine.
When I was about 8, I made a tree fort with my dad, I will never forget choosing the materials and design. The boy is going to remember this forever. I am so glad you are documenting this on your blog.
Oh, how fun. I love seeing the Boys sketches and plans. That is very heart warming to see them working together. I wish them the best of luck. And I can't wait to see more of their progress.
Ahhh! We have these plans for this summer too! WE have a huge old cedar tree in the back that is begging for a tree house! Can't wait to see how the design comes together!
the sweetness of it is overwhelming, isn't it? can't wait to see his "chelf"!
Hello Michele,
Please tell the boys I love their blueprints and think they did a very good job on listing their needs. I know they'll beam with pride when it will all be done.
Keep up the great work,
Giac
This is the cutest thing ever! I can't wait to see how it goes.
Thank you. I miss being a mom so much. This is a real treat to get to watch the progress of the tree fort.
Had one as a child – wish I had one now – I mean seriously – wouldn't it be so cool to sit up there and write and read and think and crochet and nap!
This post has made MY heart go pitter pat!
i cant wait for next weeks instalment so nice to see a youngster outside enjoying himself. does "boy " have a name.
He definitely has a name, hee hee. But for privacy reasons I choose to call him The Boy on the blog. 🙂