Destined To Be A Classic

Hats off to our designers, carpenters, painters, and installers: this time you outdid yourselves!

This past summer, we were asked by a family to create a miniature replica playhouse of their home for their children.  We visited and toured their house and yard. The parents had been inspired by the grand mansions of Newport, Rhode Island when they built their own home; our playhouse was going to have to be spectacular beside this carefully crafted home.

We had some challenges to conquer: We designed and built our first ever simulated slate roof (don't you love the tri-color effect!).  We copied the exquisite detailing around the windows. We even re-created the round turret where, from the spacious loft, you can slide down the fire pole into your very own secret room! Oh, to be a kid again!

Who Else Is Looking For The Perfect Christmas Present?

What could be more exciting than Santa and his reindeer bringing you your very own playhouse? Every year, St. Nick coordinates with our talented elves to cut, hammer, and paint the perfect playhouse for lots of good boys and girls.  We even have our installer elves busy on Christmas Eve Day helping Santa put the finishing touches on these magical presents.  Wouldn't this year be the perfect time for that Christmas morning they'll never forget?

10 Things I Wish I Had Known About Raising Children

10.  That I am a lot more like my mother than I ever imagined.
9.    That for years, my bathroom would not be a place for privacy...and that when I was finally left alone, I would miss all  the commotion.
8.     That I would forget many of those adorable "first's. " Memory books are worth tenfold every second I put into them.  Now I wish I had written more.
7.     That after reading what all the "experts" had to say, it was okay to trust my instincts.
6.     That practicing what I preach can be tough.
5.     That a stable, loving home is the best investment you can make in your children's future.
4.     That the best time to teach your child about unconditional love is when they have disappointed or upset you.
3.     That when you are sitting up, waiting, willing your eyes to stay open until your teenager's curfew arrives, is really no different than years before when you were rocking them to sleep, dozing yourself, only to find their eyes wide open, intently gazing around the room.
2.     That the only thing more rewarding than raising happy, independent, healthy children is seeing them laugh with, support, and trust each other.
1.     That calling parenting "the most rewarding job you'll ever have" is an understatement.