A Most Amazing Sandbox

We spend a lot of time outside and although Ian would rather be outside than anywhere, there isn't a lot for him to do.  He has a ball suspended from a tree that he can hit but gets bored and eventually starts hitting it as far up into the tree as possible so he can see Mom climb a ladder to get it down.  He will hit a ball off a tee all day long if someone is willing to continue putting it back on over and over and over....  He loves to try to dig in the dirt using a toy shovel but it's difficult for him to get the shovel to do what he wants.  So, I have been wanting an adaptive sandbox for Ian for over a year.  When Tom's dad, better known as Dad-dad heard us talking about it, he offered to help build it.  Well, not only did he build it himself (with help from Mom-mom and a small amount of help from Jeremy and Lucas), but came with trailer, tools, wood, etc.  The result of 3 very hot days of work is a raised, U-shaped sandbox that Ian can play in to his heart's content.  There is room in the middle for him to turn his chair to any side he chooses.

 Dad-dad hard at work

 The crew with the finished product

 The view from the front

 Digging in! (Yes, that is a sheet wrapped around Ian's wheelchair in somewhat of an attempt to keep some sand off  of and out of his chair, clothes, shoes, etc.)

 Dad-dad even built a step for Olivia and Brenna (and eventually, Felicia)!  Brenna got to try it out today and it works perfectly!

In between dentist, doctor and therapy appointments for various kids, I took advantage of having the boys occupied and cleaned out a neglected flower bed near the sandbox.  

Thank you, Mom-mom and Dad-dad for making the trip and taking the time and trouble to make 3 boys very happy!

We love and appreciate you!!!