Swing Set

   We decided the time was right to put a swing set up in our backyard for the kids. Not wanting to spend a fortune, but wanting a swing set that will last and be able to be used in multiple ways, Scott researched and discovered that Lowe's sells swing set kits. One can buy the kit, purchase the wood to be measured and cut, then assemble per the instructions. Sounds simple, right?
Off to Lowe's we went with the trailer in tow. Daniel was quite the good little boy and slept peacefully in the Moby wrap. Ashlynn was very excited and eager to help in any way she could.
   The box has a nifty list of the required wood printed right on the side, so after grabbing the kit, we headed off to the lumbar department. The lumber employee did not know what he was getting into when he agreed to help. Not being totally familiar with lumbar, we decided that since the swing set was going to be outside, we needed treated wood. So with the help of the Lowe's employee, Scott loaded up everything we needed. At the checkout counter, the very nice lady saw all of the lumbar, the slide, the kit, and the two children, and informed us that if we were to build a swing set with the treated wood, our children would get very sick and die of cancer very young. Well, not quite that bluntly, but after she pointed out the HAZMAT sign that went with the wood, it was quite obvious. So, back to the lumbar department!
  After unloading the cancer-causing wood, loading up the regular lumbar, it was then time to find a way to seal the wood. The lumbar employee advised us that with the amount of lumbar we had purchased we would need at least 5 gallons of stainer. So we traipsed all the way back to the painting department. I almost had a heart attack when I saw how much 5 gallons of stainer cost. The helpful employee in the paint department made my day however, by telling us that we only needed 1 gallon and that would work for multiple coats. :)
   We then returned to the counter and purchased the non-toxic wood, thanking the check out lady profusely for her help. Of course, when we got home, Ashlynn wanted to build the swing set then and there. We did get to work on it, putting the main playhouse frame together. Daniel was happy for a while just watching us from the little swing, all bundled up with the heater. He was quite cute all bundled.
While he was in the swing I was able to help measure the wood.
That didn't last too long, however as it was quite boring for a 2 1/2 week old. So I held him in one arm and the instructions in the other.

We persevered through mishaps and trial and error process. It is still a work in progress, so watch for updates!