When I was about 8 or 9 years old I visited my aunt Sherrie’s house. She just purchased a brand new swing set for her son, and of course we couldn’t wait to try it out. It was huge like the ones they had at the park, not the old rickety metal ones some of my friends had. Oh how I loved those monkey bars, swings, and various contraptions that kept us busy for hours, but my favorite part was the glider that could go so high it felt like I was flying. We all loved that glider, and had to take turns because we all wanted to be on there at the same time. I was so jealous of my cousin for having it in his yard to play with anytime he wanted.
About 8 years later we found ourselves living in another state, and my aunt wanted to get rid of that amazing swing set. Her son had grown out of it, and she was tired of it in her yard. My mother had 6 children, and I’m pretty sure she loved that swing set more than any of us kids. She was able to get it shipped to us, and my Dad put it together in our yard. Of course by then I was a teenager and not at all interested in playing on it like my younger brothers and sisters. Well, that swing set is still there today in my parent’s backyard. Sure the swing seats have been replaced a few times, along with the chains, and a few other minor repairs, but my children along with the other 11 grandchildren go to it immediately when they arrive at my parent’s house. My oldest always makes sure she is not wearing a dress so she can hang upside down, and do all sorts of things on the bars there. She absolutely loves it. Sadly, the glider broke, but my parents have consulted with a welder to have it fixed. My mom is not ready to part with her baby yet. We have a lot of fun memories out in the backyard, and lots and lots of pictures to go with it. In the above picture are my sister (hiding behind her son) and her children. You would be amazed at the tricks they do on those bars.
What a fun family legacy. Oh, and I absolutely love A’s huge grin. He is so adorable!!!
It’s a good thing that set is so sturdy. It has kids on it all the time hanging and swinging all over it. It’s amazing there haven’t been any major injuries. I’m going to have to remember to have a really cool swing set for my grandchildren. You did a really good job getting the kids when they only have you a tiny second of time with smiles. It’s a good thing you are so patient.
What a delight it is to spend time playing in Grandma and Grandpa’s backyard. I absolutely love the facial expressions you were able to capture.