Lazy? Days of Summer

The phrase "lazy days of summer" certainly does not apply to our family these days. As we wrapped up summer last week (yes, you read that right), we worked hard on construction of our promised Pirate Ship. I don't think these pictures do justice to the many hours of sweat that Derrick and I put into the project. We spent the first part of the summer researching and drawing plans and finally set our first four posts last Sunday afternoon. The square part of the ship was fairly easy, with the decking installed by Tuesday; the challenge came when we decided that the front of the ship should come in at an angle. It took a good four hours on Wednesday just to set those two posts! The decking for the upper level went quickly again on Thursday and Friday. We spent Saturday on the railing and Monday fashioning the ladders and trap door.

Ultimately, it was Derrick's perseverance that completed the ship on time. He awoke early on Tuesday morning to string the last rope railing before leaving for his first day of school at 7:15.

Summer is officially over around here, with Derrick starting school yesterday and Scott starting next week. We even celebrated Labor Day on Monday, since that marks the traditional end of summer.

Here we are after setting the first four posts. We were installing the support beams.

The boys were a big help, although they tired easily.


Amanda spent many of her awake hours last week in the swing (i.e. - negelectamatic).




Scott, Andrew and our neighbor, Jonathan, enjoyed lunch today on the finished product. Actually, only stage 1 is finished. Scott is recycling aluminum cans to save money for a mast and wheel. He also wants a fireman pole on the back side (in lieu of a pirate plank).

By the way, we have named our ship the "S.F. S.A.L.A.D." - Seuser, Farley, Scott, Andrew, Leslie, Amanda, Derrick. Isn't she a beauty!

Oh, and as if there weren't enough chaos last week, we also had a new roof installed on our house. There was hammering all over the place (beginning at 6:30 AM!) Yes, that man is talking on his cell phone on our roof. He certainly is more sure footed than I am!