Sunday, May 1, 2011

Clubhouse Sparkle

To celebrate Madison's 9th birthday, Rob and Madison completed the addition of a clubhouse to our swing set.
Rob got up early Saturday morning to prep the swing set before the girls arrived home from Nana and Papa's house.
 Step 1: Time to plan and measure
Madison helped to hold the measuring tape and complete the necessary math calculations to determine how much lumber and materials would be needed for the project
My job was to keep Lillian entertained and out of the way. She loved coloring the scraps of wood with chalk. Here is her pink stick. We also picked the dandelions from around the yard and emptied the water out of the sandbox.
With Madison and Rob safely on their way to the hardware store, Lillian and I went inside to make sandwiches. I think Lillian ate more peanut butter then ended up on the sandwich. It only took 20 minutes to make 2 sandwiches and they were delicious. Time for a nap!
2 hours later...
Rob and Madison returned from their hardware store excursion and gourmet lunch (Little Caesars pepperoni pizza while sitting in the trunk of the car drinking large frozen cokes from the gas station).
It was time to begin cutting the wood and assembling the clubhouse.
Foreman Lillian telling them to get back to work.
The floor is almost done. Just 2 more cuts.
 The sister team was unstoppable. They liked helping each other carry the wood.
 Taking a break on the new floor.
 While Rob and Madison were hard at work, Lillian enjoyed a slide break.
 Drilling in the supports.

 First wall done, adding the brace for wall number 2.
 6 more slats to go.
 Wall #2 is complete. Madison was enjoying the shade in the half completed clubhouse.
 The saw is too loud- shouted Lillian
 Deciding the right height for the window ledge
 Perfect!
While Rob completed adding the new platform supports, the girls enjoyed their first (of many) games of grocery store. Lillian loves to buy broccoli (and she hates to eat it).
 Back to the patio. Another chalk art.
Which has more chalk on it... Lillian or the scrap of wood?
 Clean up was done now it was time to play.
 Clubhouse Sparkle is complete!


I loved sitting in a chair on the patio (in the shade of course) watching my girls with their dad. It was great to see how well they worked together, listened to one another, and enjoyed an afternoon just being in each other's company.

At one point, Madison and I were inside to getting cold drinks when she whispered quietly to me (the screen door to the backyard was open) I am so glad you picked a Daddy that can build such great things. He is the best at everything.

What a wonderful birthday present and a great day of memories.