Monday, March 7, 2011

New Kids Court


My daycare business started in 2007 when my oldest left home. Initially, it was exclusively for infants (birth to 18 months), but it wasn't long before I was so emotionally connected to these precious babies and their families that I just couldn't let them go. (It's hard enough when they move away...Macie, Olivia...).

Business Shmiziness! When Brookie turned 18 months, we agreed, "Let's hold off until she's two." At two years, we said, "How about two and a half? She'll be potty trained then and can move on to a preschool setting." At two and a half, we said "Three. Definitely THREE! Her baby sister will be born and she'll need Brookie's spot." Well, funny how things work out. I now have three-year-old Brooklyn AND her baby sister. I'd like to keep them both until they go to college. Sweet Finley Kate has also grabbed onto my heart and I'm fastened tight for the long ride.

"Brookie"
"Bay-bay"
"Finley Kate"

As the little girls in my care grow and mature, I accumulate age appropriate toys, games, and activities for each stage of development. Most recently, I toddler-proofed the backyard with a new "kid court" to keep them safely off of the teared yard and large boulders. This was a huge project, but so much fun and I'm thrilled with the results.
The framework was created using PVC piping.
The fabric panels were sewn from nylon, canvas, and see-through mesh fabrics.

Velcro was adhered to the sewn-on straps and holds the fabric in place.

Now, I just need to decide on the flooring and the project will be complete! Next project is to put an e-gress window in the basement. For that, I'll hire a good contractor.

4 comments:

  1. Those little girls are lucky to have you!
    And I stil can't get over the kid court project. How tall are the panels? And how long did it take you to make it? It must have felt SO GOOD to get that done! I love it!

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  2. Thanks, Vicki. I feel like I'm the lucky one. :)

    Answers:
    1. Each panel is 5 ft. by 5 ft. I made eleven panels total.
    2. FOREVER!!!! Actually, I put the framework up late Thursday night in a matter of minutes...I had already built it once in the aisle at Lowes before purchasing the pieces. The sewing took me two and a half days (Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday) because my thread broke about every six inches. Yeah, I know, I need to get my machine serviced.

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  3. I don't know what I love the most...you made something awesome AND you made a blog post! It's been too long. : )

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  4. I know. Ever since I became Relief Society President, I haven't made time to follow any blogs let alone post to my own. I have a lot of catching up to do!

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