This is what daddies are good for . . . .

Dads are good for lots of things . . . demonstrating the proper mechanics of a golf swing, teaching the differences between a front end loader and a steam roller, building forts and awesome race tracks, fixing things around the house, taking out the trash . . . you get the point. But at our house, I am sure it could be argued that THIS is the best thing about dad.

Warning - not for the weak of heart.

A conversation between a kid and his dad. . . .

Tate: Daddy! Oh, Daddy!
Dad: (Not answering because he is trying to have a conversation with mom)
Tate: Hey you! You in the blue shirt!
Dad (laughing): Hey you, in the orange shirt.
Tate: Hey you in the blue shirt!
Dad: Hey you in the blue pants!
Tate: Hey you in the blue shirt!
Dad: Hey you, with the nose!
Tate: Uh, Dad?!? Everyone has a nose!

The story of a lollipop and a germ-a-phobe

Scene: We are returning home from a night with friends. Tate enters, eating a lollipop, doing the "potty dance".

Tate: DAAADDY! I have to go potty!
Dad: Well, then go. You know where the bathroom is.
Tate: But, I need help! It's an EMERGENCY!
Dad: OK, come one.
(Que the sound of peeing, then a very audible "clink")
Tate: Uh-oh!
Dad: TATE! Exactly HOW do you expect me to get THAT out of the toilet?!?

Later that night . . . .

Me (giggling): So, how exactly did you get that lollipop out of the toilet?
Him (disgusted): I reached in, grabbed it, then washed my hands for 10 minutes.

Christmas came early!

Before starting this project, we had been thoroughly warned about the level of frustration involved with assembling one of these things. And, how the estimation of time they provide in the instructions is no where near reality (6 to 8 hours for one "handy" person). But, despite all of this we went for it.

The day started out a nice 68 degrees - warm even for Texas. And despite the fact that they got a late start because Brock's truck got towed (and Brock was supposed to pick up the parts - sorry Brock!), it seemed as though it might go together rather smoothly. Then, when they were 3 hours into it and only 8 pieces of lumber had been assembled and the pile of lumber left to assemble was mountainous. And, the 68 degress was making a swift a decline as the forewarned cold front showed up early, I thought we might be in trouble. But, call it dumb luck or maybe a Christmas miracle, but 6 short hours later, the fort was assembled and ready to be the culprit in countless bumps, bruises, broken bones and general mischief!

So, it turns out that it was a little frustrating - mostly, when I popped out to provide a little comic relief, which I soon learned was not appreciated by my husband.

And the time estimation is fairly accurate if you have a crew of 4 very handy men, one of whom has previous experience assembling a similar project. But, the look on Tate's face when he finally realized what was now in his very own back yard makes it worth it. Of course, that is easy for me to say as my only part in the whole scheme was collecting the money and paying for it - oh, and providing lunch.

Thanks to all who helped . . . Grandma Tanya, Grandpa Val, G-Ma Mellie, and G-Pa Scott for funding the project, and to Brock, Niel, Jay and "Daddy" for donating the time and labor. You made a very happy Christmas for one Tater. So happy, even the one of the coldest mornings of the year - only 21 degrees - couldn't keep him indoors.