Thursday, October 20, 2011

A Family Project

Nana and Pop wanted to give the kids a playset for a joint birthday gift. We thought it was a great idea but we were still trying to get our yard in order. We only did some minor work in it when we first moved in last Summer. We had a lot we wanted to do and because of that we postponed getting the playset. Well, the yard is still a work in progress but it has come a long way. We finally cleared a space for the playset. With the beautiful fall weather, we couldn't think of a better time to get the playset.
So, I called a local playset company and placed our order. Obviously, others had the same idea as they stated it would be 4 weeks before they could install it due to other jobs. My parents intent was to give the playset installation included so that we wouldnt have to do anything but watch the kids enjoy it. However, we didn't want to wait 4 weeks and miss all the beautiful fall weather. So, we decided to install it ourselves. Make it a little family project.
Turns out it was way more involved than we imagined, but the instructions were FABULOUS!! All the peices had identification letter and numbers and the book went step by step in how to do it. The kids loved being able to help and it turned into a very fun family project.

The boxes it came in. Together they weighed 200lbs.

We layed out all the peices in alphabetical order and then in numerical order under that letter. this helped tremendously to check our inventory and in finding the right peices.

All the hardware....I'll admit seeing this was a bit overwhelming. But again we separated them into categories and then by numbers to make it easier to find the right screw, bolt, nut, washer etc...

Carter loved playing on the ladder after we put it together

Matt putting together the slide....truly the hardest part of the whole playset.

Ella Catherine holding it steady for daddy to bolt the peices together

Ella Catherine helping mommy hammer the ends in.

Ella Catherine put all the screws in and then Matt and I came behind her with the drill and screw driver and screwed them in.

Matt working into the night hours on the main peice

Ella Catherine playing on the monkey bars

Sliding down the slide

The finished product!!! Playhouse with bottom fort and an attached picnic table off the back, slide, swings and monkey bars. The kids LOVE it and have played on it nonstop.

No comments: