Tennessee Playhouse Cottage

Hello! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

I had a few posts scheduled because the T family traveled from Virginia almost all the way to Nashville, Tennessee. It was a loooooong and painful car ride with two small children, but lots of fun once we got there. We stayed with T's Uncle Rich and Aunt Marie...and about 20 other people. In one (large) house. Really.

Most children have a radar sense when it comes to new toys and adventures, and mine are no exception. They spotted the backyard playhouse immediately the morning after our arrival.
Uncle Rich built this cozy little cottage several years ago, and all of the cousins enjoy playing when Thanksgiving rolls around each year. This isn't exactly my DIY project, but it's such a sweet little playhouse that I had to share it!

I love how Aunt Marie decorates it for each season. The front porch had a pumpkin sitting out, and the front door (which really locks!) had a lovely Fall wreath displayed prominently to greet little visitors. Soon it will have a Christmas tree and lights up!

Natalie was most enamored of the toy grill and adorable, child-size wicker furniture on the front porch.

This photo was unfortunately taken after my children and their cousins ransacked the house.

The cottage has a working chandelier and real laminate flooring. The cream colored furniture and bed belonged to T's grandmother when she was a little girl.

I love the cheerful blue walls and airy curtains. I didn't ask, but I believe that the cottage features original artwork painted by T's Aunt Edie.

When cousin Samuel arrived, he immediately found the only toy gun on the premises and announced that he was going out to hunt the rooster. I don't think Uncle Rich's roosters appreciated this part of the make-believe morning, but thankfully Samuel's hunt was unsuccessful.

The kids decided to make acorn soup in an urn instead. It's kind of like an outdoor crock-pot, you know?

Don't you love how Samuel thought to go inside and grab the toy blender? Those acorns are really difficult to mix.

Cousin Olivia thoughtfully reminded Natalie to roll her sleeves up when stirring. It would be a shame to get acorn soup on her new coat.

The acorn soup was wonderful, and I say that more out of maternal duty than of actually having tasted it. I'd rather eat cranberries from a can, and that's saying something!

Cooking can be exhausting, so the kids went inside and trashed our bedroom instead.

Happy Thanksgiving indeed. Maybe next time, I'll make Natalie sleep in the playhouse....

For more DIY inspiration, please visit Kimba at A Soft Place to Land for her weekly party.

Coming up at Serenity Now? My Blogiversary/Christmas Giveaway, a Thanksgiving and Black Friday Extravaganza recap, recipes, Christmas projects, movie reviews, and more!