Our basement has turned into the hangout for Alex and his friends. I don't mind having them hang out here. I know where Alex is and I know what he is doing. I also get to know the friends that he hangs out with a little better. 

Normally they hang out and play XBox. Today the basement was turned into an obstacle course that somehow incorporated the dog crate. Yea, I didn't ask (or watch). The dogs rushed out of the basement pretty quick once I opened the door.   I took that as a sign.