Construction Weekend, Part 2

The second project is one that has been sitting in the garage for nearly a year.  While waiting for the paint on the Duplo table to dry (and yes, watching it dry is just as boring as is reputed) I decided to fix Myra's baby bed.

Here Myra holds the finished product.  The frame that holds the bed is quite well constructed, but the bottom of the bed, when it came from IKEA, was essentially thick cardboard.  I think it lasted less than 1 day before Logan broke it by standing on it. 

So I cut a section of the same 1/2 inch plywood as a new bottom.  Glue up below:

It seems that the bed meets with baby doll approval.

For reasons that are not clear to me, this picture refuses to be uploaded in anything other than this orientation, despite multiple tries.

,m

Construction Weekend, part 1

So, a fellowship typically prevents you from doing anything useful outside of fellowship.

However, I have been fortunate to have three projects come together over this last weekend, all of which have been fun in their own special way.  And, frankly, resurrected my love of woodworking, which was nigh unto dead, buried under a large pile of 80 hour work weeks. 

Project #1:

The Duplo table

The above picture shows the basic design.  The top is 1/2 inch plywood, the legs salvaged from a workbench that was in the back of the garage, the frame is from 1x4 that we brought from Texas.  I framed this out as I knew it would need to stand up to a fair amount of abuse. 

Here Logan is kind enough to help with strength testing.  

We are painting it "global blue" with Krylon.  It's leftover from the project we did that involved creating a whale from an old milk carton and using it to retell the Jonah story.  

Yesterday we started the glue-up for the Duplo plates for the top. 

Turns out that 5 gallon wheat barrels make great weights for a glue-up.

Inspection today indicates that the edges were inadequately glued, so there is a re-glue.  Should be ready tomorrow.  

This project is the one that Logan has been asking for consistently over the last few weeks.  I only work with hand tools when doing woodworking, because 1) then the kids can help with minimal risk of injury, 2) they hate the noise of power tools, and 3) the garage doesn't have any electricity anyway, so power tools are useless.  Both Logan and Myra really enjoy sawing and pounding with hammers.  And I love to see them involved!

,m

ADDENDUM:

I reference above that we required a second glue up before it could be brought indoors.  So final pictures below.

Logan is building a wall.  In point of fact, he informed me that it's the wall of Jericho, and the Evil Emperor Zurg is inside Jericho.  He then had Buzz Lightyear walk around the wall humming "When the Saints come marching in" and then yelled to make the wall fall down.  Should the above not be familiar, I'd recommend a remedial course in VeggieTales.

Myra felt the table was more useful for a tea party.  Duncan was a little unclear but in general just wanted to crawl on it.

Overall, a success.

,m

Birthday

Yesterday, I turned 35. It was the best birthday ever.

Fun times

Summer has been keeping us busy. We're playing at the park, riding our bikes, hanging out at the library... But we're not blogging much. Life is just too much fun!

Summer!

The mercury has been rising, and today we decided to break out the water fun.

The big kids are experienced water players, but this is really Duncan's first summer where he can play in the water.

Initially, he was all about it! He loves the bath, so this was the best fun ever!! But after a few splashings and sprayings in the face, he got a little nervous and decided to sit it out on my lap.

Oh, but those big kids were having so much fun!!

Splashing!

Jumping! Dancing!

Finally, he just couldn't take it any  more, and he climbed in to join the fun.

It was awesome!!!

Looks like rain?

We went to the park yesterday. I know, shocking.

The rain kept threatening, but we managed to have a fun time anyway.

Bikes

We went to a cool park today, with a wide sidewalk that surrounded the playground equipment. It was perfect for bikes!

Logan is a much faster rider, but Myra gets better every day. He slows down a little to ride along side her a few moments each time he laps her. Which is often! He's fast.