It has now become tradition that every vacation, the kids build a fort under the eave in the playroom and hide out in there most of the day. Come evening time, they always ask if they can sleep in there as well. The first time we let them, when Amelia was here, kind of ended up being a disaster. Hardly anyone slept, there was lots of getting up and being told to lie back down, talking and general let's-do-everything-we-can-to-keep-each-other-awake antics. In fact, I think some of them ended up in their own beds before the night was over. But since it isn't such a new experience anymore, they are getting better at it.
Here they are in all their cute, cuddly glory.
Of course, Alexandra was the only one who kept getting up this time. I believe she ended up in the guest bed, but at least the others were able to sleep. They are so cute whispering and giggling with each other. They like to tell made-up stories to each other and talk about kids from school that they all know, but we don't. I think that is why I like to allow these sorts of things on a regular basis. It strengthens the sibling bond, turning them into friends, not just relatives. And it is such a simple, easy thing to do that makes them sooo happy! Hurray for fort sleeping!