After returning from our Indiana trip, we decided to embark on a project to provide a play structure for the kids in our side yard. Research into available products showed that plenty of monstrocities that include castles, forts, and climbing walls are available to take up an entire yard. It also showed that the cost of buying a simple monkey bar/swing combo is not practical.
So, Jim drew up a sketch/plan to build a play structure and consulted with Pop. After some minor tweaks to the design and despite the lingering doubts from Tricia that the pair could build a structure that would hold up without getting hurt or breaking the structure in disgust, it was "go time." The July 4 weekend was the proposed building time.
Saturday morning involved buying lumber, pipe (for the monkey bars), hardware, and an assortment of "swingset supplies." Then, the hard work started. The bars were assembled on Saturday and most cuts were made in preparation for assembly on Sunday. The second day saw the project come together. And, with some help from friends and neighbors with heavy lifting/holding, the play structure was completed on Sunday evening.
Big thanks go out to Pop (Jim's dad) for his help in the design and construction and for providing the tools (and some of the liquid refreshments) for the project. The kids love the play structure (Zach might warm up to swinging soon) and Madison and Nathan have enjoyed the swings immensely. We have even had friends over and the structure is holding up fine for now.
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