As kids in Ontario, we spent five or six months of the year playing outside in the snow. A great white playground just fell from the sky and we did not ever have to think about leaving the neighbourhood in search of entertainment and activities (sometimes we really couldn't). Winter in Victoria is a foreign concept in comparison and thus it brings on a different way to play; lots of time in the great outdoors is still the key. With the arrival of wee little Seamus, it has become pretty important to have loads of fun activities around home and with the new house and big backyard a sandbox was born.
So happy to get this project finished during my visit this winter. Nans and Gramps had picked up the tools and materials when they were out on the last few visits so it has been in the works for a while but is now being played in as I type. It is very exciting. The construction looked a little something like this...
"It isn't the mountain ahead that wears you out; it's the grain of sand in your shoe."
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| Ground breaking ceremony, massive turnout. (Photo credit: self-timer) |
Makeshift wheels with a barrel for dual purpose:
1. haulin' dirt out of that there hole in the ground
2. giving rides to toddlers around the backyard
2. giving rides to toddlers around the backyard
But first, a little air in the tires...every job seemed to have six other jobs attached.
*Fun Fact: For a long time now, Tyler and I have struggled with the word "wheelbarrow". We bonded over this awkward feeling years ago as we both wondered, "what on earth is a barrow?" Well, I finally brokedown and researched it only to find out that "Barrow" is a derivation of the Old English "bearwe" which was a device used for carrying loads. Sounds like a loose derivation to me, barrow is not a word as far as I'm concerned. Wheelbearer could be a better option.
Carpenters apprentice..."I help".
Fin was such a talented apprentice that I just left him to finish the job. He nailed it.
Finlay, passing his knowledge onto his father and young baby Shay who is snuggled inside Tyler's coat.
After a few rainy days, we had built a pretty sweet mud pit. Very proud.
But the sun was shining again and the mud pit was destined for a brighter future.
Natural ground cover, a good way to recycle the old christmas tree, and it ads a fresh scent to your box of dirt.
You can take the girl out of beach...
Finally time to add the sand, about 700 pounds of it.
Sanding and fastening the benches. Sand play has commenced.
"We all leave footprints in the sand, the question is, will we be a big heal, or a great soul."
Enjoy the rest of your winter in the backyard beach box... love, aunty car car |
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