Backyard Engineering

Last weekend, Poppy bought Caroline's birthday present early, a new swing set.  After all, a swing set in November isn't as good as one in the summer.

This weekend, I began to put it together.

I was warned.  Read, really read the instructions.  Make sure you're using the right bolt.



Turned out to be good advice.  Among the 6 types of bolts and all told there were about 30 of them, they were all very similar in length, and just enough for each specialized place you had to use them.  The directions had 64 steps, and twice, I was instructed to repeat several steps. 

Working at it off and on all day, I'd say it took about 4 hours.  It wasn't hard labor, but more thinking than my typical chores require.  And it was hot.  But every second was worth it.

The Mommy brought Caroline outside as I was moving tools back into the shed.  She ran over to me yelling, "Daddy, daddy, thank you for building my swing set! It's perfect!" and threw herself at me, hugging my legs.

I'll never forget it, and I don't care that I cried a little.