Grace's 6th Birthday

Maybe some day I'll have the time and energy to write more about the day. So thankful for all the wonderful family and other helpers that made this day so special for Gracie. For now, here's a little video and some pictures.

Makita Moments

J.J. has been taking interest in building projects lately. Of course there's the usual Lego creations and foam block structures in the house, but also some substantial wood fort construction going on outside. Using scrap wood from our deck project a couple summers ago, he has extended the wood playset to connect with a nearby tree. After viewing his little bridge assembly (that he put together with picture-hanging nails he'd found in our kitchen junk drawer), I asked if he'd like to learn to use the Makita drill.
His eyes widened and he forced back a giddy grin, trying to prove responsible and serious enough for this honor.So after a lesson on drilling holes, driving screws, changing gears and key-less chucks, we purposed to fortify the wobbly bridge that just barely supported J.J.'s 50 lb. frame. A few holes and deck screws later, he had a pretty good thing going. Here are some pictures he took of his handy-work.

The tree-fort bridge (view from below).

The tree-fort bridge (view from above).

A seat on top of the monkey bars.