Monday, July 20, 2009

End of an era

The back corner of our yard will never be the same...
The swing set is being taken down. My husband put it on Craigs list and has already received many calls. The kids are all upset.  (they are ages 25-12)  Even though we can't remember the last time anyone used it, we're talking YEARS.

Still, I know what they mean. 
Our yard won't be a kid yard anymore. 
Sure, we'll still have the soccer net and the lax wall cluttering our lawn... 
but no swing set?
It just seems wrong.

I remember when that was the big purchase and how excited the kids were. I use to have a baby swing on there and spent countless hours pushing someone while the others played on the slides. I would sweep out the little fort to make sure there weren't bugs and hose it down to get rid of pollen. Every couple of years my husband would re-stain and seal the wood.

But, it's time. That part of the yard is going to seem mighty empty though.

15 comments:

Unknown said...

Awww, I know just how you feel. Our kids were little when we had ours built and it had a plaque with their names on it. It made it through years of play AND a tornado! We gave it to our next door neighbors and have been able to watch as they play on it.
I still miss looking out my kitchen window and watching them all play in the fort. So sad!

OHN said...

I could have written this post word for word.

The only thing that made it a little easier is that it went to one of the girls that work for me. They had been looking, we were thinking it was time and I felt it was a win/win situation.

It took me a LONG time looking out my kitchen window for it not to be a strange view.

Torch Lake Prep said...

Oh, this hits home...we have one of these too and it has provided countless hours of entertainment. With the proceeds you can buy wii games :)

Marilyn *Pink Martinis and Pearls* said...

Oh, I know! So sad to make this transition. As you know I have written about similar transitions and it is difficult. Sounds like everyone has wonderful memories that they will one day incorporate into their own families because of you and your hubby. I can feel the love. :)

Ina in Alaska said...

Sweet memories. Our back yard neighbor's sons are all teens but I have seen them cram their lunky bodies into their old Playskool kiddie cars (they look like the fake-car grocery carts) and ride down their hill. Very funny!!!

kw said...

Oh! How sad, it will feel strange without that there! :(

Formerly known as Frau said...

They can always cross the brook and swing on those swings! I know what you mean when we got rid of Kate swing set at 12 she was in shock!!

preppyplayer said...

Pearls- I think I will have some sad looks out the back window when its gone.

OHN- It's true, I am happy that SOMEONE will be using it, but I will be sad too.

Torch- Too funny, I'm sure my twelve year old would agree with you completely!

Pink-I knew you would understand :)

Ina- I love when the older kids revisit childhood, what a funny sight!

kw- yes, things are different here than the last time you were here, no animals or maybe a swingset...

frau-Ah yes, we do have the park!

the Preppy Princess said...

Oh goodness Miss Preppy Player, we have seen this happen a few times already with siblings and friends, they just hated the big empty space. So of course, a frenzy of planting was undertaken, quite the frenzy in one case. (You know what we mean.)

Sending you a hug,
tp

the Preppy Princess said...

Oh goodness Miss Preppy Player, we have seen this happen a few times already with siblings and friends, they just hated the big empty space. So of course, a frenzy of planting was undertaken, quite the frenzy in one case. (You know what we mean.)

Sending you a hug,
tp

Somer Love said...

I have been putting some stuff on KSL too... Its hard to part with stuff even tho you never use it anymore.

Susan said...

I can't part with ours...we have 1 sone who just turned 21! We still have friends and little cousins who use it frequently, and it's so colorful and I'll be so sad to take it down...if ever. I can relate...so happy you had great memories on it though...

Kate said...

I remember when we got rid of ours. I miss having a swingset!

Misty said...

That's so sad.

Joyce said...

It will feel strange not looking out back to see the swings. I would feel the same. The memories on that swingset.... Hey if you still have it what about taking a family photo with everyone on the swing set! Hugs my friend. xoxo

PS the woman I work for just went through this with her girls. Her oldest came back from college this summer and trampoline was gone. She was really upset.