NATCHEZ — When trying to think of the perfect thing to get their grandchildren, Barbara and Tom Scott knew just what to get them — a tree house.

“We wanted to do something for them that made them say when they come over, ‘You’re the best grandparents ever,’” said Barbara, who initially had the idea for the tree house.

So the couple got to work.

The Scotts have two trees in their backyard that Barbara thought would be perfect to connect with a structure. Luckily, Tom is a carpenter by craft and had done plenty of remodeling on their home throughout the course of their marriage.

Tom planned out a design, and built the tree house.

When The Dart landed on South Bluebird Drive in Natchez, the Scotts were inside enjoying a lazy Saturday afternoon, and the only one utilizing the tree house was the Scott’s dog Dusty.

“When the kids aren’t here, that house becomes his house,” Tom said, “He likes to sit up there and scare people that walk by.”

The Scott’s grandchildren, Keartson, 7, D’Mya, 6, and Palmer, 2, live in Jackson, but visit for holidays and for long periods of time during the summer.

“We wanted something fun for them to do with the neighborhood kids around,” Barbara said.

They finished the structure last summer, and they were able to unveil it soon after.

“We put their names on it, and decorated it with balloons and ribbons,” Barbara said. “When they saw it, they were totally shocked.

“They played on it for the rest of the day.”

The Scotts hope that because of Tom’s craftsmanship and the grandchildren’s love of the tree house, the structure will be a place for them to play for years to come.

“It is so gratifying seeing how much joy they get out of playing on it,” said Barbara. “When they leave, it is always too soon.”