Project Weeks

We're constantly working on multiple different projects around here. Recently, Debbie's Dad came for a visit and to help move some of those projects forward.

Before Papa arrived the kids had purchased their own little crafting kits. They got the idea from a YouTuber they like to watch and were very excited for their kits to arrive. In typical fashion, Alex worked on and completed his kit within a day. Abby, however, is going much slower and being quite meticulous. They were both happy with this purchase.

The first day of Papa's visit turned out to be a play day. The kids had remote-learning that day so after they finished studying we were able to go out on an adventure. We spent some time exploring Fort Vancouver then had dinner at our favorite Korean place. At Fort Vancouver, Papa took the kids to all the different display houses within the fort. Bella was not welcome inside the fort so Debbie took her for a walk around the park. The park was beautiful and there was a lot that we did not explore. We'll have to go back another day.

Debbie had two main projects she wanted to work on while Papa was here: chopping wood and working on the playhouse.

Back in February, we had a few trees taken down. Since then we've had the trunk rounds waiting for attention. The goal was to get all the rounds chopped into firewood. Everyone chipped in a little bit by either moving rounds, chopping or stacking. We're glad that we rented a wood-splitting machine. The job would have been much harder and taken much longer if we hadn't. As it was it took more than six hours to complete. The kids were grateful that they were at school for most of that time. This was the more labor-intensive job but Debbie is sure excited to have a full woodshed. Greg is pretty sure we went overboard and we now have a couple years of wood stocked.

The other project Debbie had in mind has been her hobby project - converting a storage shed into a playhouse for the kids. Because this is a hobby project Debbie is trying to be as resourceful as possible. By a stroke of luck, Debbie came across some old french doors that someone was giving away. With a little ingenuity, Debbie and Papa installed those doors as fixed windows in what used to be solid walls. Alex enjoyed helping to make the holes for them (see video) and the end result is pretty impressive. The windows help make the shed clubhouse feel a lot bigger. There is still a lot more to do for the project but Debbie was glad for the help on this particular part.

After saying goodbye to Papa the projects continued. Over a couple of days, Debbie fixed a leaky pipe in the driveway. Greg is still planting and watering grass seed, and gardening has been a constant for both of them.

We love all the new things that being property owners has taught us. Our DIY projects are a lot of work but fulfilling. Hopefully, this won't be the last project week Papa spends with us.