Childhood backyard

Backyard 2013

The saltbox house, a beloved style of American Colonial architecture, features a distinct roof design that dates all the way back to the 1600s. Learn more about the history of these New England icons—and how modern architects are re-envisioning the style for today's families.

By Sonya Spillmann @sonyaspillmann The blue sky carries sludge-heavy air. Our backyard trees pretend they can stay cool, as long as they don’t move a leaf. In their shade, a trill of a power drill. My two boys, one almost nine, the other crossing the threshold of teen, kneel on a wood landing my

I would have loved this place when I was a little girl.

Tire swing

Transform a patch of grass into an oh-so-enchanting play area with instructions from HGTV.com.

When it's just the two of us, she is so very carefree. I love it when she lets her guard down, and enjoys just being a child.