oh, the possiblities.

We had a mimosa tree in our yard that I loved for its pretty leaves and flowers, and even more for its climbability. Unfortunately, some bug species did it in last year, and this week it was cut down by my husband and some friends (thanks, guys!)... you know, to avoid the whole "falling on the house" thing. Mike was all for chopping it to bits and taking it away to be burned, but I was actually excited about this big heap of logs and sticks. (My poor husband... oh, the things I put him through.)

I had them cut carefully to save the long, straight pieces. I've been planning teepees or forts or something along those lines. Just somewhere awesome to play. Simple, rough, imperfectly perfect... something like these, maybe. Or one of these.

Or check out this fun area that I want for myself, but would be willing to share with my son. Yeah, something like that.

Zach always loved playing under, on, and around that tree, calling that area his forest. So it seems appropriate to use the tree itself to fix up that area for his outdoor play. And for the "forest" floor... I'm really, really hoping to pull off this bit of gorgeousness...

I saw this pathway some time back, and fell in love. We'll see just how dedicated I decide to be...

Comments

[kirsten]

that would be so cool! good luck!
(i have a boy who is always up in our trees. the ones we say we're cutting down...)

[Jeanette]

Which tree is that?

[Mom]

I love mimosa trees too; I find myself admiring them alongside the road when we travel and picturing myself digging up a small one to bring home. I like the wooden path. You might need to treat it with something to keep it from disintegrating.

[Lori]

those are all fantastic ideas .. such great inspiration. :^)

david and jeanie stiles have written a bunch of great books about how to build treehouses, forts, and etc. -- even if you don't do the full boat, they have really great ideas. you might want to leaf through a couple at the library. :^)

xo