Barn wood

I might have mentioned this piece of string art my SIL Amanda made me for Christmas 100 times or so but it’s pretty fabulous. She made it on a piece of wood we got from an old barn house that was falling in. Right after Christmas, I casually mentioned to Justin’s dad Sheldon that we’d love for him to make Wyatt a toy box for his birthday. Three days later this is what we had:   
He planed down, sanded, stained, and sealed the old barn wood to make a covered wagon toy box that blew any expectations we had out of the water. It can actually be used as a wagon too—the wheels and steering pull actually are functional, although I doubt it will ever be outside for any reason. He even carved his name, “Pa,” and 2012 onto the inside.This is truly an heirloom piece that will remain in our family for generations. Justin talked to his grandpa Theron and found out that his great-grandfather Dud helped cut the wood to build that barn house over 100 years ago. That makes this so much more special.
After seeing the potential, we immediately went back to salvage any remaining usable wood for future projects.
 
Justin and his daddy worked long and hard to get this big fat beam. It will be our mantle over our fireplace if we ever get a new house one day.
          
We got the wagon into the house and loaded up with toys. Wyatt can’t stay out of it very long. He loves it!