Best Christmas gift EVER

Travis always has to have a project to work on.  Not only does he enjoy his projects, he also has a major aversion to paying someone to do something he can figure out how to do himself for a fraction of the price.  Given the fact that he's dress-shirt-and-slacks-wearing-lap-top-toting-cubicle-sitting-technology guy with no formal training in construction, carpentry, upholstery, or the like, the things he's been able to create have been pretty incredible!  When we decided to adopt a baby, he and his dad (Hi Papa!) rolled up their sleeves and finished our basement to make more space for our growing family.  And we've discussed other projects he's taken on including building a baby gate and adapting our treadmill so that Josie can do treadmill therapy at home.

 

When we decided to turn our former office into a hot-air-balloon-themed playroom, he made adorable hot air balloons to hang on the wall.  It was at this point that he became known as "Crafty Dad".  Recently he's taken on a few more projects including upholstering a new headboard for our bed and building a riser for my desk....

 

...but his coolest project to date was a Christmas gift for the girls:

 

Yes, we now have our very own Chuck-E-Cheese in our basement!  It's every little kid's dream come true!

 



In addition to the sheer fun factor, the ball pit provides an opportunity to hone all sorts of gross motor skills including climbing, sliding, and swimming in thousands of brightly colored balls!

 



Merryn is a big fan!  Her sense of adventure and athleticism have always exceeded what would be prudent for a baby of her age and size.  When she was barely a year old, I have video footage of me imploring her not to go down the slide at the park on her belly.  Lil Bit is fearless!  Besides, no one could possibly be expected to demonstrate caution and restraint with such a fun attraction beckoning!



Unless you've got a severe gross motor allergy like Josie does. In that case, the ball pit provides an opportunity for adults to lift you up to the top tier where you can remain stationary until an adult drags you down the slide while you yell "No - please - no!" the whole way down.

Or you could have a splendid time working on color recognition from the safety of the ground; Josie's foremost preference indeed!

No matter how you slice it, you'll have a ball!

 

Thanks, Dad!  You are the BEST!