The BIG gift

When we moved into our house

our wonderful neighbors

asked if we wanted their old playset

as their kids were getting older

The only stipulation was that

the neighbor kids could play on it

whenever they wanted to

not a bad deal if you ask me

So we moved it

(with their help)

and stained it to match our deck

added a couple swings

and left it at that

Our girls love it

and can spend hours out there

the only problem was that

Nolee is actually able to climb up to the second level now

which is taller than I am

and would do it whether you were helping her or not

(which tended to freak me out...I keep picturing broken limbs)

So we decided as her birthday gift

we (with the help of family) would add a lower level

that was more friendly for 2 year olds

and of course still appealing to a 4 year old

The unstained wood is the addition

plus the yellow slide

the very bottom portion can now be storage

for their toys..or a secret hideout

(if you aren't afraid of spiders)

We wanted to do something different than a ladder

so we went with this plank/rope combo

and yes it reminds me of a dog plank...but the girls love it

and I have no fear of Nolee falling

We added a steering wheel

which was the only dang accessory left at the store

since this was the end of the summer

but the girls love it

and drive their fort all around the town :)

We also added a table/bench

which they love for their pretend meals

...it also is a great hiding spot (and is a safe neutral zone)

for when the big monster is out & about

(monster = Scott hunched over like the hunchback of Notre Dame

moaning and walking with a very distinct limp...it's freaking hilarious)

Oh...and by we (throughout this entire post) I mean Scott

I was in charge of the ideas on this one

and he was in charge of putting it all together

When we told her this was her birthday present

her face lit up so bright

and then they played & pretended for hours

We plan on staining next summer

to match the rest of the set

and who knows...maybe we'll add on again in a few years :)