Rate My Space: Outdoor

I've recently posted more photographs on the HGTV website.  Please click on this link to "patio with a bed" on HGTV.com and rate the outdoor space in our current casa:
http://www.roomzaar.com/rate-my-space/Patios--Decks/Patio-with-a-Bed/detail.esi?oid=25257030&cObjId=25257073

I'm very excited about the feedback I have received on the site.  Visit and leave your comments and please Rate My Space!
Thanks!!!

Adventurous Backyard

Although my children are aware that this purchase is still a "maybe" because it has to be approved by the seller's lender, they love to talk about the new casa and everything they want in it. 
We asked them what they would want in the new house if they could have anything...
it didn't take long for them to answer. Some of the ideas they have are okay and doable while others are just plain wacky.

They would like a treehouse, a firepole to slide down from the second floor to the first floor, a zip line, a bowling alley, a basketball court, a movie theater and a bathroom for each.

It shouldn't be very  hard to fulfill most of these wishes, however, we will not.  The basketball court can be done, because there is an existing tennis court which can easily serve a dual purpose.  The movie theater should be easy enough...however, it won't be high tech.  The zip line could probably be added somewhere, although I have to research how safe they are.  The bowling alley is a definite no.  The rest, we'll see what we can do. 

Here are some things they'd like:

They would love a zip line.  There are many "zip lines" and kits to make zip lines for sale on the web.  This is an inexpensive Fun Ride Deluxe Classic Zip Line.  It is sold on various websites and has positive reviews.  You can also purchase it below.

They are also eager to have a tree house, I found some original designs on google images.  I don't know whose photographs they are, so I can't give credit to the photographer.

We have narrowed it down.  They would like a tree house with a covered area and an open area. 

I would love to build a treehouse.  This is a house that yearns to have a treehouse.  With the lush landscaping and beautiful trees, a treehouse would be a perfect addition.

 They want multiple ways of getting up and down, and they want it to be a lot of fun.

While visiting friends in Connecticut two years ago, we had dinner in their treehouse and I've wanted one ever since.  Our friend built it himself with help from his retired father.

Be sure to post your comments on suggestions for tree houses or other adventurous backyard activities for children and/or families.

My Current Casa, "After" pictures of the Backyard

The backyard in our current casa, is a small  tropical oasis.  We love to spend time outside just hanging out and playing with the children.

 Many palms adorn the yard, including the fishtail palms that line the entire rear fence of the property.  We have a canal behind the property, but its not very pretty and I didn't want my small children and their friends enticed by it, so I covered it with the palms so they wouldn't even know it was back there.

There are many areas to sit and sun bathe, relax or watch the children while they swim or play around the yard.  We made the pool deck wide enough so the children can ride their ride-on toys or bikes and scooters around the pool.  We have a very family-friendly neighborhood, but sometimes we just want to stay home.  I can keep an eye on the children from inside and they can play outside in a safe and comfortable environment.

One of my favorite furniture pieces is this double chaise.  It's very comfortable and the entire family can snuggle up and lounge here.

The second step of the pool was enlarged to four feet wide to allow

comfortable wading for smaller children.  (similar to the depth of a kiddie pool).

In addition, we added a bench that extends from the steps to the end of the pool. 

This bench allows the smaller children more freedom to roam from one end of the pool

to the other without stepping out.

Another nice, shady, comfy lounging area.

Another favorite piece is this iron bench I found at TJ Maxx.  It was a perfect fit. 

All I did was paint it brown.  It's not really super comfortable to sit on, but its cute and I love how it looks.  I struggled to find something for that area for a long time.