The Boys' Christmas Surprise!

First, I have to say, Danny was a willing volunteer.  He actually loves Pintrest.  He never gets on there, but he does enjoy all the new recipes that I glean.  I think he also likes all the fun things I find for the boys - like this project!

My boys LOVE tents, forts, clubhouses - whatever you want to call them.  They have a cabinet in the kitchen for this purpose but as they have gotten bigger it has become harder to share that small space.  I try, really I do, but I don't have an engineering degree and that is apparently what it takes to construct a fort that doesn't have to be "remodeled" every 5 seconds.  I tried a sheet over the table, but I lose a table.  I tried chairs with a sheet over them, but it falls all - the - time.  So, when I saw this fort on Pintrest I was determined to make it.

Here are the instructions if you are interested: http://www.angryjuliemonday.com/2011/08/01/pvc-pipe-fort-tutorial/

Here is our finished product:

It was very simple and would have been even easier if our saw had been powered.  However, Danny powered it just fine.  Once the poles were cut it took 5 minutes max to assemble.  The directions recommend using a rubber mallet to put it together, but I didn't want the poles to be in so tight that I couldn't get them out.  I like that I can take it down and pull it out again when I want a tent in my living room.  It keeps it from becoming boring.  I am still looking for a bigger piece of fabric, but this one will do for now.  I love that the open top allows for puppet shows!  Danny is great at puppet shows too!

Just one last warning.  If you happen to have a two year old who gets in trouble,  (what two year old doesn't?)  he or she will use it as a hiding place so they can pout and it is not easy to pull him out when you are as big as a hippo :D