Just Add Lumber

For Christmas both sets of grandparents went in with us and got a swingset for the kids. You know the kind - wood with slides, swings, and a fort. I had grand visions of the kids playing on it for Mary's birthday on January 3rd. Now - my husband is a master of many things, but carpentry is not his thing, at least it wasn't. The main part of the box had big words written across the front that said, "Just add lumber." and "Build and play in one day." We have laughed at that so many times. Lydia would
stand with her nose pressed against the back door and say, "Can I swing yet?" Ray jumped on the project quickly and endured many things - cold and wind, drilling through his fingernail, hammering his thumb. I am proud to say that three months later the kids have an almost completed playground. We chose not to get the rock climbing wall for ($ obvious reasons $).
Now the girls have a cool playground and Ray was inspired. He has his sights on finishing the chicken house he started. I'm hoping for fresh eggs before the fall:)
Pictured above is a progression of events. Top - swingset that we got when Rachel turned three. Middle - Rachel in her most beautiful boots helping read directions. It turned out that Sarah was a the biggest help. Bottom - Mary and Lydia trying out the swings as soon as they were hung.