A couple of weeks ago we took the plunge and invested in our first backyard swing set. If you've yet to experience this All-American rite of parenting passage, I'll let you in on a little secret: they don't come pre-assembled! Jason and I spent two evenings just labeling and sorting wood (a strategy that I think really worked to our advantage) before he finished it up with the help of Uncle Grant, over the weekend.
One of the things I love about my husband is, his willingness to read directions. Before he even picked up his drill, he consulted the instruction manual.
Eli saw Daddy sitting in the box and decided it was the place to be. (After we shooed him away from the sorted wood about three thousand times, we were thankful for his taking up residence there!)
Norah was thrilled to help carry "the swing set" into the back yard. She's always happy to be a helper.
The finished product! Interesting side note: my childhood swing set was also green and yellow.
Eli's inaugural slide...
Norah rockin' the swings...
E never tires of the slide!
No rules prohibiting "train sliding" in our backyard! We're all about sharing in Robinson County!
Both kids' favorite (as well as mine!) is the two-man swing. They sit back to back, and Norah is able to build up momentum an swing all by herself (which means I don't have to push), and Eli just holds on for dear life, grinning to beat the band.
Obviously, the kids are loving the backyard right now. The only downside was the week-long rain that kept them from their new favorite pastime (but that is NOT a complaint...I'm happy to have a green yard and especially for the cool front that the rain resulted in!)...but rest assured, they have made up for lost time! We've been picnicking and swinging every dry day since. I foresee hot summer afternoons and a fat lot of sunscreen in our future!
Word to the wise...if you don't want to come over to swing, you might start working on an alibi. Norah has invited everyone (including complete strangers) she's encountered since the swing set's construction over to swing with her. (Including our preacher, who agreed to schedule a play date with her!). The conversation generally goes something like this:N: Guess what! I have a swing set in my backyard!
Unsuspecting Bystander: That's neat.
N: You wanna come over to my house and swing sometime?
UB: Ummm...I'll have to get back to you.
6 comments:
Congrats on the new swing set! Looks like a great one. Growing up we put SO many hours on our swingset. My sister is a tiny person and from a very young age she would climb across the top rail. Mom got calls several times from concerned neighbors who could see her "stunt" over the fence.
How very cute!!Those things are a huge undertaking, aren't they? So glad to see you back again. I've missed your posts!
Very cute! I am sure they will get years of enjoyment from that swing.
Wow that is amazing... I have heard how hard those things are to put together...well done hubby. The kids will enjoy that for along time.
Yay you're back! Love the swingset. We'll be by to swing this summer!
I am very impressed - I had never thought about having to put one of those things together! Your post has enlightened me, and now when I see one of these in someone's back yard I won't be so apt to take it for granted. Good food for thought for us in a few years with our little guy. My take-away message here is: always read the instructions first! :-)
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