I'm horrible with heights. I'm on the second floor here, and there are open areas where you can look down to the first floor. Waist high glass and metal walls around the openings, but still it was months before I could look over without getting dizzy.

There's, like, bugs and spiders and dirt and god only knows what other icky stuff.

I don't think Mama Bad Seed would allow dirt or bugs near the tree house. She probably had it steam-cleaned and put astroturf (the new, natural-looking astroturf) over the grass. Other than the random bloodstain I'd guess that tree & treehouse were spotless.

I read it as distaste, not fear.

I don't think Mama Bad Seed would allow dirt or bugs near the tree house. She probably had it steam-cleaned and put astroturf (the new, natural-looking astroturf) over the grass. Other than the random bloodstain I'd guess that tree & treehouse were spotless.

I concur.

I loved the contrast between Ellen calling to Henry "You better not be in the pool. You know one of us has to watch you" or something similar, and Madeline's mom saying "You better not be in the pool with your hat".

Not hat -- cast.

I read it as distaste, not fear.

So did I.

Not hat -- cast.

That makes far more sense. And still works for the contrasty goodness.

I really want that treehouse...It looked like an awesome hangout.

I loved the striped tent top. Waterproof, too, I'd gather. It was kind of neat. Fun place to go read or whatever. And, you know, plot and plan.

All I could think was, "Look at all that nice stuff she's keeping in the treehouse! Aren't they afraid it will get wet?"