Swings and Our Most Recent Visitors

Hello! I hope everyone is enjoying a great summer! It's hard to believe that it's already coming to an end. We haven't had very much summer weather up here so I'm praying that we have a long, beautiful fall!
This spring Scott and I discussed that our little outdoorsman was probably ready for a swing set. We did not realize, however, that purchasing a swing set was not as easy as going to Home Depot and buying a swing set. We spent a day in Bemidji looking at options and a day on the internet looking at options. Finally, Scott decided that he was going to attempt to build the swing set himself instead of investing a thousand dollars into one (can you believe that the cheapest/smallest kit was around $400 and that didn't include a slide or most of the lumber!). Scott picked out three different plans for sets and gave me his opinion, "Boys love forts! He has to have a fort." So, one with a fort and four spots for swings, rings, and other fun rides was our choice. Scott went to our local lumberyard to purchase supplies, then ordered swings, rings, and a slide from the local hardware store. With some help from a few of Jacob's "uncles", Scott had the fort/swing set up in no time and for less than half the cost of the kit. After it was complete, Jacob, Scott, Kendall, and I spent an entire evening swinging and sliding! I've forgotten how much I love to swing, though I'm looking into getting a more comfortable seat sized for an adult! Jacob's recently discovered how to slide down backwards and to climb back up the slide. I can't wait for the James' to come up next week so Jacob can share his new toy! You did a great job, Daddy!!
Last weekend Mom, Kelly, and Colby came up for a visit! What a fun baby!!! That little chicky is so happy and gives you smiles that make you feel like you are her absolute favorite person! Jacob impressed me again with his sweet, caring gestures towards Colby. If she whined a little, he would pat her back and say, "Ohtay Coby, ohtay" and when she needed toys to play with he came running with the box of baby toys! Of course, if she was playing with a toy in a way that he didn't think was correct, he let her know. I've come to realize, he gets that from me. I'll admit it! Anyway, we had a great time visiting with Mom and Kelly, too! Jacob wouldn't let Mom leave his side. He had a hold of her hand the entire time she was here. I think it's because she pretty much gave into anything he wanted! Kelly was Jacob's best friend while she was trying to take our family pictures! He would not sit with Scott and I because he wanted to sit with Kelly and look at the camera! The little stinker did not make it easy on anybody, but Kelly still managed to get some awesome, awesome pictures! I don't know how she does it, I was ready to strangle the child, but somehow she could get him to crack smiles and laugh hysterically for the camera! Thank you so much, Kelly!!
I'm hoping to get another post up soon of Jacob's recent game of Pretending I'm A Puppy! Yes, that's right, the "acting like an animal" phase has begun and it is quite comical and yet, quite annoying!

Thanks for checking in! God bless! Scott, Kim, and Jacob

Colby made the funniest faces while she was sucking on a peach!

Pucker up!

It must have been quite tart, but she kept wanting more!


Colby kept tipping her chair back, but we couldn't figure out how.
She was so sneaky! We were all stumped!

The beginning of the project! Notice, Scott has a long sleeved T-shirt on and his carhartt vest. That gives you a hint of the kind of weather we've been having up here!


The beginnings of the fort are back behind those leaves.
Putting the hooks for the swings in.

Scott made steps for the fort!

The final product! It's kind of pretty, isn't it!

Scott's going to put sand underneath the fort for a much needed sandbox!

Please, please, please excuse my loud hollering on this video! I was sort of excited!