it's hard for even the coolest backyards to compete.
But alas, we broke out our sweet, new pool from Target and had some fun.
Maybe I'm in...maybe I'm not.
I love this photo. For one brief second, he looked like my baby...not my BIG boy.
This lion was a present from Jackson's Big Grandpa for his 1st Christmas. Lion is regarded very highly by Jackson. So, today, after a bit of "discussion", Jackson INSISTED that he come swimming.
The final piece of the backyard makeover was installed this week. A few weeks ago, Trip checked out some forts. There is a great local company that comes to your home and builds the fort on your property. The quality of the fort and swingset is incredible.
As Jackson gets older we can change or add to the fort. I think it would be fun to have a mini rock wall or some monkey bars to burn some energy. But for now, the ladder, slide and swings are perfect.
You'll notice in the first picture that the swingset has a regular swing and Jackson's toddler swing {above}. It was such a delight for me to get him going in his and then hop onto the swing next to him. When he would slow down I would jump out of the swing and give him a few more pushes to keep him swinging. Every time I jumped out of the swing, Jackson would giggle uncontrollablly. "Again! Again!" So, I would get going in the swing "again!" and then jump. I must have done it 10x before I cried "uncle!" I am confident that if anyone was watching us play they would have taken us to the funny farm.
Tuesdays have become a highlight for us this summer. Each week we meet up with Jackson's friends, Alex and Luke. Jackson met both of them this year in his BSF class. So, while the boys play, the mamas get to have some adult conversation. Ahh....a win-win!
This past week after playing at our local park, we headed over to Suwanee Town Center. The center boasts a fountain that is a perfect spot to cool off on these crazy hot days. The boys had a blast. The mamas got a bit wet, but enjoyed watching our boys have fun. I think we may have to have another visit...and soon!
This project has been a long time coming. We never knew how much we needed a yard until a certain little boy was born. And even then, we had some time to consider what we needed to do. But from the minute Jackson could walk, we realized we had a little boy who LOVES to run and play.
Before the Makeover, Jack had a 4x4 square foot of decent running room.
I'm. Not. Kidding.
Unfortunately for our neighbors, Jackson was not aware of our small situation because we had no fence. Most of our playtime outdoors involved me "fussing" at him to come back or running after him. Thankfully, the last part of the makeover included A FENCE. {Mamas, you all know that a fence is not merely to contain your child, but your SANITY.}
Oh alright, I can hear you all mumbling:
"Zip it Radtke we want to see pictures!"
The Before...
A Jungle of Unkempt Trees, Rocks and a serious
Drop Off that would have hurt my kidlet.
Trip would like to add that the grass was a disgrace.
{As he is the son of a former Scott's employee.}
The After!
Coming in the new gate.
The view from behind. I need to add color, but I'm enjoying the simplicity right now.
The serious drop off was graded with 2 loads of dirt and mulch.
Beautiful!
And everyone together...'Yeahoooo!"
Of course the only way to appreciate this transformation is to hear & see Mr. Jackson...
