The Grotto was an amazing activity that encouraged family co-operation.

Soon after we inherited seven rats for rescue we knew we needed to do something for their well being. Our solution was to build the Grotto, otherwise known in our house as a rat mansion!

Our family worked together throughout this project sharing ideas and making decisions in such a way that re-inforced our teachings on the importance of family unity. Please enjoy our photos below and may they inspire you to have a family project of your own!

Step 1 - selecting the shelf. Step 2 - measure the shelf Don't forget the height
The kids picked our tallest bookshelf to convert into our new rat mansion Had to take measurements before we bought the supplies Can't forget the height, the door has to cover the whole thing.
Step 3 - cover the shelfs with contact paper. Step 4 - measure for the ladders Step 5 - measure the ladders
We cover the shelves with contact paper to protect them from the rats Time to make the ladders The kids measure and cut the ladders for each shelf
Step 6 - Time to build the door Step 7 - add the hinges The completed Grotto
We construct the door complete from scratch, cutting the wire screen was tough Now we are ready to add the hinges so our door can swing open! After securing the door in place our rat mansion is complete and ready for the boys.
The kids bring four boys over to see their new home. They sure took to running the place Verdict in, they love it!
Each of the kids bring a rat over for a family photo. The boys sure seem curious on their first entry and a little unsure of what this is. After several trips up and down the ladder they flock to the family bed and give a unanimous thumbs up!