The Rains Came Down, and The Floods Came Up

And the house on the rock stood still . . . but it was still really wet. I wonder if Noah made his kids come and clean up their hud after the flood. Our parents sure did. It's amazing how large an empty room--or at least mostly empty room--can look. In fact, the spaciousness of the basement spurred several top-notch ideas about what to do with our new-found space.

1. A Skating Rink
My parents weren't too fond of this idea, but perhaps I can sell them on it yet! Just imagine--an entire basement dedicated to skating. We could add some lights, a killer sound system, and we'd have the best parties in town!

2. A Velcro Playground
Just imagine it--children of all ages will flock to our basement to be tossed against the wall in the ever-stylish velcro jumpsuits! We could even add those inflatable obstacle courses in the middle of the room where we could have races to see who could get through the course and onto the wall the fastest!

3. A Playroom
Just what every Grandparent needs--a place to send the kids during the winter so the adults don't have to compete with screaming children who are tired of being cooped up inside! We discussed putting my Dad's train on a shelf all around the outside of the room, thus bringing enjoyment to all his grandsons, but still protecting his investment from little wandering hands.

4. An Entertainment Paradise
Complete with big screen TV (72 inches, according to Adam), a wall to project movies on, Dance Dance Revolution, Guitar Hero (according to Seth), and a wet bar--Mormon style (according to Dad), there is little reason to doubt this would be the "paradise" of all your entertainment needs! Add a few lava lamps and a disco ball for ambiance, and let's get the party started! Maybe I can convince Dad of this one even more if I insist that it will be THE place to watch the football games!

5. A Walk-in Closet
I could always use a larger closet! Rotating clothes racks would be nice. Add several mirrors, lots of good lighting, and you've got the girly girl's dream! Of course, I've never done very well playing the girly girl. Maybe this idea isn't so good after all . . . but a larger closet would be nice!

6. A Bowling Alley
Again, add disco balls, lava lamps, a killer sound system, and we'd have awesome parties! We could have the little gutter guards for the little kids and organize our own bowling league. Maybe we could even get matching bowling shirts!

7. An Office
BORING!!! But, the fact is, it would be nice to have a place to do schoolwork where Mom doesn't have to complain about all the "school stuff" Dad and I bring home at night! Of course, having a killer sound system and a big screen would be necessary to encourage multi-tasking!

8. An Exercise Room
Too bad it wouldn't get much use this way! Maybe we should just put a couple of stationary bikes in the entertainment room!

9. A Racquetball Court
I could brush up on my game, Rachael could learn, and Dave could laugh at our lack of skill. What more could you ask for?

10. A Laser Tag Course
It might be small, but it could still be very entertaining!

11. A Karaoke Bar
Again, Mormon style, with root beer being the strongest drink served! I'm more partial to milkshakes, myself. Just imagine--stage lights, a couple of TV screens, a karaoke machine, awesome speakers for the sound system . . . it would be a blast!

12. A Miniature Golf Course
We could put a windmill in there, a putting green for the more serious golfers, and basically just go crazy in designing it. Every grandkid could be in charge of designing their own hole . . . Matthew's would look very similar to a drool mark and Drew could name his "ooom-bah!"

Okay, so maybe there are some outrageous ideas, but I think I can sell them to my parents! Actually, I think they are pretty close to being sold on the entertainment room/playroom idea. Just a little more finagling and we can get the party started!