Couch Tent 101

Day 50 something of summer and my children are bored. If summer lasted until Labor Day like it used to (in the good old days) we would be signing up for some kind of half day camp or art classes. This morning to occupy our time, the kids have taken over the bed spread which is drying over the 'little couch' after washing day yesterday (too wet outside to dry anything out there)
When making a couch tent, these are the items you will need:
1. a couch. preferably one that is almost 10 years old and squishy and lumpy in all the right places. Honestly the 'little couch' as we call is actually has been well protected from life these past years b/c it seems to be the landing spot for laundry out of the dryer. This is a vicious cycle.
2. A large blanket, sheet or bed spread.
3. a flashlight is of the utmost importance. the sun is shining outside (or attempting to on this gray day) but it is very dark under the tent.
4. books. Lots and lots of books. And it also helps to take in your big sister who can read. If you are a 4 year old little boy, the older sister might try to teach you to read under the tent. But really you just want to sit and listen and make faces into flashlight.
5. NO food at all under an inside tent. This is very important. As I am almost 8 years into this parenting thing, I am still far from being an expert, but I do know that a plate of cinnamon toast freshly made is not good snack to eat in the darkness of the tent.
6. Enjoy your tent