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Illinois couple builds igloo, complete with fireplace

A couple in Harmon, Illinois transformed a snowdrift in their yard into a luxurious igloo complete with a fireplace.

A couple in Harmon, Illinois transformed a snowdrift in their yard into a luxurious igloo complete with a fireplace.

In just 10 hours, Wayne and Debra Larson built an igloo with the amenities of a house.  Along with the fireplace, they have rugs, seat cushions, and a built-in freezer among features in their snow house.

Related:  Tired of winter, Moline woman paints flowers on her snow-covered yard

From the outside, you see a snowdrift that stands roughly seven feet tall in the Larson's yard.

When you take a closer look, you will find a door that leads to more than the mind could imagine.

And it all started as a challenge from their grandchildren.

"Our grandchildren confirmed there was a snow fort challenge for the weekend, he (Wayne) came out and started on it," said Debra.

In fact, Wayne got off work at 8:30 p.m. Friday night and went straight to work on the igloo, digging deep into the snow until 12:30 a.m. Saturday.

After six hours of digging, Wayne had created an igloo with a fireplace plus two holes for ventilation.  They sent pictures of the creation to their grandchildren, who live in Pawnee, Illinois.

"We had a lot of dreams, just like every igloo owner, of adding on," Wayne laughed.

A block of snow hides a "freezer" where treats are stashed.

"We always keep a supply of popsicles in here in case of an emergency," Wayne said while holding the box of frozen treats.

What started as a simple competition between grandparents and grandchildren has gone viral on the internet.

A YouTube video (below) has hundreds of shares on Facebook.  They have even had suggestions from their friends on what they should add onto the igloo.

"Some people say we should add a hot tub," Debra said.

It won't be long before the temperatures warm up.  The igloo will eventually melt, but the memories of this igloo will stand forever.

Share photos of yourself conquering the winter blues – click here.

Follow Shane on Twitter @wqadshane

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