A Swingset in the Making

By request, we have taken a brief time-out from building to put up pictures of our latest project.

So, one day Momma got a crazy idea to get a swingset, but after a little research found that wooden sets were quite expensive and not very toddler (or parent) friendly. Instead she decided we should design and build our own. This way it could be cheaper, toddler friendly and waaaaaay cooler.Needless to say a week later, with plan in hand, our family was at Lowe's purchasing lumber, and a slide, don't forget the slide.

As you can see the slide itself, we now know, would have been enough. Utilizing our front slope and the recycle bin the kids were occupied for hours, everyday. None the less, we did start construction. Ella is handing Daddy screws to use on "braces" to keep the posts square and the right distance apart...

...Nathan's checking out the gopher world... ...a work of modern art if we've ever seen one, our neighbors have anyway (but all the posts ended up in the right place and were plumb)... ...this pic reminds us to never under estimate the suggestions of our older brother, who helped Sis and himself into some post holes while Mom wasn't looking...

...Nathan hard at work pounding bolts into holes...

...enjoying a climb on the "swingset"...

...helping to prime the rail slats...

...beginning to recognize some steps and platforms...

...Nathan standing proudly on the top platform which now has one safety rail and a floor (notice the slide has moved to a new, yet still very entertaining and temporary location)...

...the "swingset" as it stands today; safety rail around the top platform (or fort) and the slide bolted into its permanent home.

After three weeks of non-stop construction, and several trips to Lowe's, we're wondering a few things: are we crazy, and will it ever be finished(should have just stopped at the slide on the front slope)?

There is an end in sight though, and the kids are very excited to get to the finished product. Not to mention our neighbors are amazed we could design and build such an 'impressive structure'.