Hurricane, Brownies, and . . . a Fort?

 Naturally, any woman would bake brownies, invite neighborhood kids over, and build a fort in her living room during a hurricane.

Lowe's Home Improvement dropped off a bunch of boxes in our living last week.
I can't wait to open them!
They are filled with our new kitchen cabinets.  A splurge I know, but we really
need them.  Wait until you see the hot mess in our kitchen.
I mean, who puts paint over stained wood (didn't sand or prime)?  On top of that, who lets paint drip and doesn't clean it up (Seriously, we have paint drips on our cabinets ALL OVER THE PLACE)? Who hangs doors improperly on their hinges? Who doesn't install the counter top properly? Who screws up the electrical wiring in the kitchen and somehow passes inspection?  Who uses the wrong plumbing parts under the sink?

A particular contractor here in Raleigh. 
(I really wish we had used Angie's list.)

Okay, back to those large boxes filled with goodies.

I knew I needed to keep Owen entertained during Irene. 
Rain + Rain + Wind = No outdoor play
Rain + Rain + Wind = 1 bored child
Rain + Rain + Wind = (1) "I'm going to go crazy" parent
Chocolate + Kids + Fort = Good times and (1) "I'm going to read a book" parent

Forts.
Loved them as kid.
Still love them as an adult.

Last mention.  My camera is literally in its grave, and I keep trying to resurrect it.
My flash no longer works.
I just haven't gone out to get a new one yet.
I would love to hear suggestions in the comment box on recommended brands/models!  I can't afford SLRs, so don't recommend those.  Point and shoot baby.

Before photos.

And here is the fort I built for little Owen and his friends.

This fort had 3 rooms, 1 dungeon, 3 hallways, and 3 entrances.

And lastly.

This is the extent of the damage by our home.  This is our neighbor's tree.  A few more feet

and it would have landed on our house.  We are blessed to not have anything worse than this.
My heart goes out to all those who have lost anything meaningful in their lives.