A LOFTY RETREAT
For the Schooley family of East Wenatchee, Washington,
a tree house built on the large stump of a backyard tree has become a major happy-memory generator.
Boasting a stained glass window, a faux fireplace, battery-operated lights, and such paint colors as Purplicious and Rosebud Pink, chosen by 5-year-old Hope, the little house was a labor of love. "We don't do a lot of vacations, because it isn't in our budget," says mom Kim. Instead, the family heads out and up to the tree house for special meals, reading times, stargazing, or just chilling out. "Being up high makes it fun and magical. It really is a place where we can get away while still at home."
A LAID-BACK SWING SET
Want to literally hang out
in your hangout? Take a cue from the Sale family (who told us about their dirt pile on the previous page).
They built Hammock City -- a trio of hammocks hung from two trees and a post in their yard. The ingenious triangular setup lets the three kids and their parents gather there on summer evenings, reading, talking, and laughing. There's no better spot for enjoying an after-dinner ice cream.
