Feeling Right at Home 

Recently, our neighbor across the street caught sight of my 4-year-old son, Oliver, in his birthday suit. He was stretching on the top step of our front porch, taking in the early-morning summer sunshine. Oops.

He's never been shy about his nakedness, but we try to keep it indoors. This particular jaybird moment likely occurred because we treat our porch like it's an outdoor room in the house. It faces our busy street but is large enough to accommodate a couch, three chairs and three small tables. We eat, read, nap, play and party on the porch, one side of which is a wall of climbing vines.

It's the kind of unique space Kids VT will be highlighting in our new "Habitat" feature, which showcases unique and inviting family living areas starting this month. Turn to the first installment and see how Juliet and Harold Moran have transformed their small yard in Burlington into an active playspace for their two kids, Jake and Owen.

Another story in this issue also addresses creative renovation: Architect Christian Brown rehabs homes to accommodate children with disabilities. He donates his time to Zoe's Race, a family-friendly 5K run that raises money to help families that can't afford handicapped-accessible improvements.

August is arguably the best month of the summer — though it's bittersweet because fall's right around the corner. You can still squeeze in a couple more "Day-cations" — or at least read about our adventures at the Burlington Waterfront and the Great Escape.

Wherever you venture, it's always nice to come home. Ours now has a "fully-clothed-on-the-porch" rule.