rendering time habitable

There are several small projects happening here, initiatives the boys have undertaken on their own, only occasionally asking for help.

Tucker has a few prototypes under development for his current favorite game, Hive. He's cut and glued hexagons from cardboard, layering to create real game piece dimensions. He's read and reread Uncle Kevin's strategy manual, and discussed potential improvements to new designs with a fellow gamer when they meet, masked, to play at the park.

Tolliver recently visited the Army surplus store and chose the helmet of his dreams. He's been generously given a real Marine backpack and an authentic wool blanket. There are currently tent encampments downstairs, and frequent pretend battles in the driveway with the protection of giant mulch bag barricades.

Hank saw an enormous metal palm tree at the neighbor's garage sale last week, and decided he wanted to turn his bedroom into a jungle. He began with several tall brown bag trees taped to the back of his door, and has since added parrots and monkeys and a brightly colored sun.

Each of the boys spend part - if not most - of every day happy. 

And so do I.