Thursday, August 07, 2008

On the Homefront

So what's going on at home while Dorinda is at her writer's conference? I'm playing Mr. Mom and enjoying a couple days off from work (at least from one job)

To distract the kids from the sudden break of the routine caused by Dorinda's absence, I promised a "Super Special Secret Surprise Project" for today. They spent days guessing what it might be and one of their guesses was actually right on target. A Tire Swing!

I had to grab an old tire from a service station that doesn't participate in the whole EPA environmentally accepted methods of tire disposal. Most places told me you can't just grab an old tire, they are tracked, accounted for, and a disposal fee is charged. One place even advised me to call my congressman. For a tire swing!? So I found a "shop" that had a pile of the things out behind the dumpster. "Take as many as you want!" they said. Thanks, I just need one. Add $30 worth of chains, eye hooks, nuts, and links and I had an afternoon project for the kids. They scrubbed the tire down while I hung the chain in the trusty old willow tree. Then Caleb helped me drill the holes and mount the eye bolts. A few minutes later we had a new back yard attraction!





Notice that the swing is mounted horizontally, instead of the classic vertical method. This is so more than one child can ride at a time. Ironically, it seats up to three children at once. Now why do you suppose we would need something like that?

Plus, getting to use the drill, bolts and chains is a lot more fun than just using a rope and realizing I don't remember any of those cool knots I learned back in Boy Scouts!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

So, not only are you taking care of your five, but you are also doing the Scott's daycare AND blogging? Impressive to say the least!

Cadi + 4 said...

What a great idea! I would love one of those. Tell Dorinda I'll trade her some corn for a tire swing.

Denise said...

Sounds like things are going great in mom's absence. A tire swing? Very cool! I bet it will bring hours of fun for the all the kiddos.

Tripletblessed said...

Great idea dad! Thank you so much for keeping us up to date in Dorinda's absence.

Candace Hickey said...

Ok, you are a smart woman! I love this idea! I hope the conference is going well.