Treehouse Anyone?

Michael surprised the boys and I one afternoon by taking off work and whisking us away to Cheekwood to explore their summer Treehouse Exhibit.  We had never been to this botanical garden/museum, and were drawn to the beauty of it all.  Such a lovely day to enjoy a beautiful place!

The Color Garden

There were seven treehouses - all themed around a piece of literature.  I think Michael and I had just as much (or more) fun as the boys.

#1 - The Giver

 A book that I totally recommend for middle school and up.  Read it in college and LOVED it.

A world of gray transitions to a one full of color

#2 - The Jolly Roger

Every little boy's dream - a cool pirate ship with LOTS of neat gadgets

Captain Cole with his pirate face

  #3 - Walden House

Cole's favorite.  He enjoyed making me a salad and swinging underneath 

Cole enjoyed cooking

Cade enjoyed eating tree bark

 #3 - Conch House

I loved the creativity of this design 

Included a sand box 

Lovin' the rain sticks

You could slide down the shell and climb out at the bottom

Passing by the museum.  I'd love to go back and take a tour.

Washing off sand in a nearby stream

 #5 - A Hobbit's Tale

Best slide award.  We ALL loved it :) 

 #6 - The Rainbow Fish

Sweet story of kindness, giving, and loving others as yourself.  I also loved how they used CDs w/ zip ties to create the scales.  Genius!

Climbing inside, taking a peek out of the eyes 

Love Cole's pose

 #7 - Ocean of Notions 

Haven't read this one.  Cool set-up, but the open bridge to the water did freak me out a bit.  Especially with bigger kiddos running to and fro with very little attention to the littles.   

Strolling through one more garden before heading home

Lovely