The Evolution of Outside Toys
As great grandparents, we are on our third set of children that make me want to buy new toys. My husband, the more practical of the two of us in the buying department, helps me keep this in perspective. Here’s some of our journey to keeping our littles happy and coming to see 2 mama and 2 papa.
When our children were growing up, I wanted my house to be a fun house where other kids wanted to play as well as our own. Of course, I am fully aware that a place where kids want to go isn’t about the outside toys, but more about the atmosphere of love and feeling welcome in that home. Still, I wanted some “fun” things for the kids to do so we invested in a swing set and a trampoline. In the 1970’s the swing set was metal that hot in summer, but it was great for fall and spring. The trampoline had no safety net (again, 19790’s) and it’s a miracle our kids made it to adulthood with only one sprained ankle (Korie) and a friend from school busting through it and landing on the ground (no injury). Hours of fun was had on that trampoline and swing set. Plus, they both provided a way for kids to use energy and get some exercise. See the picture of Korie bouncing her way into fun.
When Korie was thirteen, we moved and added a pool to the “outside toy” collection. The pool is my husband’s job, and he has faithfully tended to it now for over thirty-five years. Bless him! The old swing set died at some point and our own kids were passed the swing set age, but our kids had plenty to do outside with a pond to fish in, a pool to swim in and lots of cousins nearby to make up fun games.
By the time the grandkids came along, I was ready for another swing set and found another perfect one. It was wooden, not like the 1970’s model as we were now in the middle of the 1990’s. It so much more attractive for the yard, I told myself and 2 papa, but really, I just wanted something to attract the grandkids to my yard. 😊 It worked and the grands spent hours on the swing set and more hours in the pool. (See sweet Aslyn Sadie on the swing set and Korie and Bella in the pool.)on the slide of the swing set. I loved the new wood play stations, so I added a wood tractor and a double-seat swing (see pic of me and the greats still enjoying that double swing) to my outside toys. I loved watching the grands play in what became known as the “playground” at 2 mama’s house. See a picture of granddaughter, Aslyn, on the slide.
Well, here we are with the great-grands and the wooden swing set “bit the dust” about five years ago. I was feeling like a new swing set had to be in our future. But 2 papa was not feeling it. Of course, the pool remains, and he still takes great care of it, so the greats spend many hours in the pool (see John Luke and Mary Kate with their kiddos in the pool), but there’s something about a swing set, I kept saying.
How to compromise is always the question in any relationship, even after 50 years! So, I wanted to share with you our compromise in case you find yourself in the same situation.
This is called a Slacker Swing Line. Here’s the link: Amazon.com: slackers Swing Line – Turn Healthy Trees Into The Perfect Backyard Swingset – slackers Tree Swing Line Kit – Great Tree Swing Addition to Any Yard – Recommended for Ages 3+ : Toys & Games
It’s perfect for our next generation. Of course, you must have available trees, but if you do, it’s a perfect solution. The kids love it and so does 2 papa. 2 mama is coming around. Lol See the latest picture of our great-grands enjoying the new swing set.
Check it out if you need a swing set, have two trees at your disposal, and love to entertain your grands or greats!
Most importantly, love, love, love those kiddos and always make them feel welcome in your home!
Hugs, Chrys
