Backyard Building

We had a stay-in-your-jammies kinda day yesterday. It just seemed right. After helping Olivia edit her science experiment report, I made us a snack, and O got dressed to go outside and explore. About fifteen minutes later, I was invited to come out and 'help'.

I'm glad I did! O had decided to build a little lean-to, using fallen branches and leaves from our now overgrown backyard. Toward the end of summer, it gets really hairy back there, with vines on the fence, the veggie garden all pooped out, and my champion Yucca plant just ready to shed more fibers and 'hairs' than the cat. (More on that later.)

So, we dug three little postholes for the main branches, secured them in the ground, and began to weave. The result was the picture above-just enough room for one girl to escape the first raindrops of the afternoon that began to fall as we finished our project. I like the fact that the happy little tire swing is within easy reach. Makes it seem more homey, somehow. Below is a picture of the backside.

I remember building little things like this when I was a kid, and I'm so glad O enjoys that kind of activity too. For more ideas, I think we may have to re-read one of my favorite books of all-time, Shelters, Shacks, and Shanties, The classic guide to building wilderness shelters, by D. C. Beard. I discovered this little book years ago before I became a mama. It is chock-full of descriptions, illustrations, and stories about outdoor architecture. A very good read, and quite useful as a primer for your budding outdoor architect.