Demonstration or Demolition?

We've had many conversations in our house about the word 'Demo.' It can mean two very different things. You can demo a new product (as in revealing and explaining it) or you can demo a building (as in destroy it). Very different. You really wouldn't want to mix them up.

So when Tyler asked the kids to come help demo the tree house at the new rental house, they weren't sure exactly what he wanted at first. When they found out they were going to destroy it, they weren't sure if they were happy with that plan or not. To be honest, it is fun to go to town and take something apart, but the tree house was really cute. It was hard to think about ruining it. But it wasn't safe. The tree house deck was decayed and Tyler put his foot through it the week before. So it needed to go.

Pause just a moment to learn about the rental house. Tyler is starting his rental empire. And you have to start with number one. He chose a house that is a bit far away (an hour) and needs quite a bit of renovations (paint, bathrooms, demoed tree house, etc.). He has learned more from this experience than the internet could ever teach him. Not exactly priceless, since it has been quite pricey, but the knowledge gleaned will travel with him through life. And the best part is having plenty of work with which the kids can build all that necessary character.

So one Saturday, we went up and started to work. (And by we, I mean not me. I was a little worried about my back, so I spent the entire day on the deck blogging...also an essential thing. I think the real irony is that I still hurt my back doing nothing. It's a skill I wish I didn't have.)

June and Ivory were our main tree house people. It wasn't really safe to have more than two up there working. Look, there is June throwing the window...out the window.

Those two were pretty fearless. They climbed all over that tree house and spent a lot of time on the roof. I'm assuming they don't have a fear of heights.

The debris piled up as the hours went on. Good job gals.

Nova was right at home at the rental house. All she needs is a yard, a ball, and some people to pay attention to her now and then.

The other girls were also hard at work. Pearl was our photographer. She made sure to document the whole day. And I love that she got pictures like this one...of Daisy.

Don't worry, we got a couple pictures of Pearl too. Cutie pie. And there is always time for selfies.

Ivory, you look forlorn. You shouldn't be. It looks like you guys took care of the roof.

Not to be outdone, Robyn decided to tackle the chicken coop. This girl is ready to demo.

The chicken coop turned out to NOT be a chicken coop. It was a hutch for hunting doves. There was even one still inside.

Daisy and Robyn took out all their frustration and sister angst on the hutch.

They stirred up a few bees, but the thing didn't seem to move much.

Robyn tried again using a new weapon.

Still not much progress. Instead of knocking it down, Tyler came over and just pushed it over from the back. Okay...that works.

Lots got done that day. Hutch down, some tree house dismantled, and garden beds weed whacked. Definite progress. (And don't forget...some serious blogging got done too.)

That's only the outside of the house. Tyler is going to spend weeks working on the inside too. But progress is progress. I'm impressed.