Look Out House, Here I Come!

I learned a valuable lesson yesterday. My children are happier when I don't force them into the car on 113 degree days. Go figure. So instead, we had some good old backyard fun.

Scarlet has found a new love for her swimming pool. I have gotten more than my money's worth out of this five dollar purchase. "Look mom, I swim on my belly!" she will shout and she scoots herself around in circles for hours.

But though she loves her pool, she finds her "simmin poot" a little too constricting. Her panties give her a little less resistance.

Hose water is a little too cold for this kid, but he was entertained nonetheless.

Our trusty hammock only lasted us a year before each and every rope snapped. We're trying not to take it as a sign that the Nielsen family needs to cut down a few pounds. We took down the hammock but the ropes tying it to the tree have just been waiting there for a replacement.

So Wednesday night, I was having book club while Jon and the kids played around in the backyard. And we all couldn't help but notice that Jon had climbed the tree and was tossing ropes over branches. Ironically, we were discussing the Crucible as Jon tossed what resembled a noose over the highest limbs. Luckily he was not providing us with a visual aid, but instead built this.

It is the perfect two year old swing. It is low to the ground and can spin in any direction without whacking the tree or any other permanently placed objects (other two year olds not included). After whacking a few friends in swinging range, we taught Scarlet to say, 'look out!' if she was swinging toward someone. So when she got really flying the other day, her eyes widened as she yelled, "look out house, here I come!"

Scarlet is just in heaven. And before you think she is the only one enjoying our latest backyard addition...

He LOVED it! And held on tight for a good old time before...

Saved by the dad. Builds them a swing then keeps them from tumbling off it. Now there is a great father!