When I was a kid one of the fun past times we entertained ourselves with was the making of tents. Not just throw up one sheet or blanket kind of tents. Oh no! Ours were like the Harry Potter kind of tents.
They were much bigger inside than they appeared from the outside. We would grab every sheet, blanket, towel, etc. that we could find and with clothes pins, would put up walls making hallways and rooms.
Boy were our tents grand! When we were finished we'd show off our tents to my mom. We'd show her where the door was and she'd get down on her hands and knees and follow us crawling through the tent as we'd describe what each room was.
And then, the ultimate fun! Mom would let us picnic in our tents and then sleep in them! The tents would be up for a few days and then as all camping trips are, it was time to take them down. That was the worst part! Having to put everything away.
I still don't like that part of any project that I do! Some things we just never grow out of.....
I love making tents with my bros too! We made an awesome on surrounding our beanbag chair only a few days ago!
ReplyDeleteAnd those tents have heat, flushing toilets, and running water close by. Those are my kind of tents.
ReplyDeleteI used to do that ALL OF THE TIME!! It was so much fun! :D
ReplyDeleteYour mom let you keep them up for a few days? Wow! I wish I could do that. Okay, I could do that, but I don't. I need to let go and allow my kids to enjoy their childhood.
ReplyDeleteWe had these two woven cotton Native American throws mom had sewed together into one HUGE blanket we called The Divan Cover. And that, with the dining room table and chairs, was the ultimate tent. I remember how magical that space was. Now, I wonder why - unless it was the novelty of seeing the furniture looking up from underneath - or maybe it's just a space a kid makes up, and somehow owns. I don't know. I never got to sleep in a tent - mom put things away too quickly. But I loved them.
ReplyDeleteI haven't made a 'tent' for quite some time. They were absolutely amazing, too. Thanks for taking me back...
ReplyDeleteHanna, Did you have a picnic? Part of the awesomeness of tent building is being able to take your toys in there, your bedding, and FOOD! :)
ReplyDeleteNatalie, And no bugs!! Well, if you don't count the other siblings bothering you...
Emma, Ooooh! Don't tell me you've grown out of tent making. Stop this growing up stuff right now!!
Lyndee, Yes, she did! My mom was amazing. I loved her growing up but I didn't realize how amazing she was until I became a mommy. Now I just wonder how in the world she did what she did and am so appreciative in how she let us be ourselves. As unique as we were, I'm sure there were times it took great restraint. :D
Kristen, I really don't know either! It is magical. It is your own little space that you've made yourself and the ordinary table becomes something entirely different. You're looking at it with new angles, and new light with flashlights.... I don't know, but it sure was fun!!
Uncle Rush, Pitty the child who wasn't able to grow up making tents don't you think?
Jody, I wondered with all of the shinanigans you had going if tent/fort making might be in the list of 'things to do inside when it is too hot outside'. Do you have your house back yet?
ReplyDeleteOh that's so fun. We loved making tents too, and we'd make some elaborate ones. I think it's awesome you let them sleep in them, I'm not sure I'm that cool of a mom!!
ReplyDeleteGinna, You may not be so sure but I KNOW you're that cool of a mom. You just are!
ReplyDeleteSo fun. We made those when I was growing up and I have made a few for my two year daughter already. Such a fun thing to do on a rainy day.
ReplyDeleteAbbie, I loved making tents so much as a kid I have a hard time letting The Native's be and create and discover tent making on their own. On the one hand I want to see what they come up with and on the other I want to dive in and show them how they can expand them and cover my entire house in the dang things! I think the clean up of it all keeps me from showing The Native's just what they could do with a few sheets and blankets...... being the adult/parent sure stinks sometimes. How fun that you are already teaching and exploring with your daughter. She's a very lucky girl!! Keep up the good mommy work.
ReplyDeleteThese photos made me smile. Mainly because I have these scattered all over my house right now... kids. Same all over, huh?
ReplyDeleteLori, As they say, kids are universal. Thank goodness!!
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