The "kind of" Finished Product - Fx4

So, before I start all of the projects I have planned for 2009....I forgot to post about one of mine from 2008.

Back in September, my friend, Ligouri, gave Zander a 'pirate ship' swing set. There is a story that goes with that. Her husband, Rob, along with my brother in law, John, put that swing set together for Lig and Rob's kids in 1995.

It was only a few years ago that Rob passed away from Pancreatic Cancer. Ligouri has since then made upgrades to her home.....however, she had kept that swing set because Rob built it for their 3 boys. But she finally thought it was time to let it go. She didn't want to trash it because she thought if the right person took it they could bring it back to life and it might then be enjoyed by another kid.

Then she thought of Zander......and I couldn't be more thankful!!!

So, my brother in law (that helped to build it the first time) offered to help move it!

Here is the swing set at Ligouri's house when we went to pick it up!

And here it is now......

I made some minor changes to it now, besides staining it (which took about 100 more hours than I thought it was going to). The top part is kind of high so I bought more wood and closed it all in until Zander gets bigger. When he gets older we can remove some of the boards and put in a slide and climbing wall. Also, it has 2 new swings now....but room for one more thing. I think in the spring I will add a tire swing for Z....that would be easier for him to swing on now while he is still little. I'm also going to add a little short plank for him to walk up to the first tier on because its kind of high...it could use a step or something.

Also, it still remains that I need to put up the spinnaker sail (I thought it was a mast, but I was corrected by a friend and I know nothing about ships so I'm taking her at her word.) I couldn't get it done before it got cold and I didn't want to put it up just for the frigid weather to set it....so I will do it as soon as it starts getting warm.

I'm still trying to think of a name for it. I LOVE the name the Black Pearl....but its not Black. I think I have a name in mind.....but I'll keep mulling it over since I have time anyway......

If anyone has any good ideas - please feel free to share!

Here are more pictures of the kids playing on it on his birthday. His birthday was Nov. 1st....and surprisingly enough it was 75 degrees that day.....so we had his party outside......

I have something else I want to add to it too....I'll unveil that when I unveil the name. I know....again I'm keeping everyone on pins and needles!!!!

To see more great pictures, go visit Candid Carrie to participate in the Friday Foto Fiesta Finish. Join the party!!!