PlayHouse

Playhouse:

We noticed that Adele always gravitated toward the playhouses whenever we went to the playground . And like most other parents , we enjoy spoiling and giving the kids gifts that we know they will love and use it for a long time . So , Dad thought of gifting a playhouse would be a great treat for her 4th birthday ,and ofcourse ,this made little one super excited .

After browsing many stores and the websites , we opted for a wooden playhouse, as we wanted to get the best quality outdoor toy that could last .However ,we could hardly find one within  our budget . Most run from $500-$2500 , with luxury models between $4,500 -$7,000  

Like this little one 6x6 at Walmart being sold for almost 1.5k 

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Cedar-Shed-Cabin-Cedar-Playhouse/17355845

Or this lovely one we so much adore costs $3,349 at Homedepot 

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100399632/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=wooden+playhouse&storeId=10051#.UEkLR42PVlo

I even checked Costco , one of our favorite stores that usually has great stuff with great  prices , but not this time , we like the price but the size :( 

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11761296&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&eCat=BC|50126|4060|58252&N=4047209&Mo=5&pos=2&No=0&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=58252&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&ec=BC-EC11007-Cat4060&topnav=

So, with a little bit experience of carpentry ,and Adele's birthday is still 2 months far away , we decided to make one ourselves .  I spent a few days searching for images ,ideas,  the materials and checking with the city for the permit and yayyy...no permit needed for our size 6x12  . 

OK, now lets have a quick tour to see how thing has been done :)

Day 1 : cleaning up the area  and loading down the lumber ( No picture taken )

Day 2:  Hubby laying the foundation , the most important step to keep the house level . It took us a whole day working in the heat . Pheww , a lot of hard work , but notice there's one happily singing and running around  :)

 Day 3:  Frame work . It starts coming together and its time for little one to come help out . She could hardly wait for this :)

LOL Hubby wasn't really happy with the heat .

Day 4: Constructing the roof ....

 Day 5, 6 : Completing the walls , putting up the windows  and making the front door ....

Day 7,8 ,9 ,10 ....:LOL

We estimated to be done within 8 weekends , way before her birthday , but with the heat ,holidays and summer activities , it took us longer than that but the unfinished project didn't make her birthday less  fun  .
So far , It's 98% complete  . We still need to install a small window above the front door ( Special order does take time  :) i'll get it updated later

Update : Tada ...the finished product . Do you notice any difference ?

 Adele and i had a fun time creating the inside .It's filled with lots of natural bright light , fresh air and my homemade curtain gives it a cute princess  look ,that is what Adele  was dreaming for .

 Childhood is a  time of fun and active imagination and having a playhouse is a great way to add to the fun and help a child's imagination grow ...  Im glad to see my daughter using it almost everyday .

and now ...we're proud that we can fulfill a little girl's dream...Happy 4th birthday little girl . Mommy and Daddy love you .

Interested to know the total cost ? Check back for the break down numbers coming soon :)