Projects

Some of you have asked about the projects that Steve's parents have been helping with while they are here so I thought I would share a few pics. They have helped with some basic house maintenance like fixing the roof (my kitchen doesn't flood under 2 inches of water when it rains anymore - now it only forms a small puddle! I guess that is a work in progress...) and doing the mending (THANKS, Mom!). In addition, they have helped with several projects. The first one was a gate to keep the bikes and helmets in (the dogs kept chewing everything up!). They used the readily-available bamboo to build it.

And here is the finished product! Looks great and - better yet - our bikes handle grips, pedals, and helmets will be dogbite-free from now on!
After finishing the gate, Grandpa set into building a promised tree fort for the kids in the back yard. They have been more than a little excited about this for a long time now. :) Best of all, they got to work with Grandpa to make it!

Setting the base...
Playing up in the tree...
(or maybe attaching the supports? you be the judge)
Hard at work...
Almost done!
See Zach hammering next to his Grandpa? Sweet moments...
A group effort...
Even the dogs got in on the action!
And it's done! Check out the cool trapdoor and ladder...

A favorite feature is the opening on one side to climb out onto the branch - and hang upside down like little monkeys. :)

Thanks, Grandpa and Grandma for all your help with these projects!

Actually, the biggest project they have been working on is not included here. I am going to wait til it is done to get a few more pics, but here's a teaser - it is a boat made out of cement! No joke. You will have to check back to see the pics next week.