The beginning stages

First things first, we need to prioritize. And make lists. And draw a picture!  That's about all we can do anyway since our backyard is cold and thick with mud. And it's going to snow again tonight.  Isn't springtime in the midwest beautiful? 

So on to my list of must-haves:

• a dry creekbed to carry rainwater down the hill to the creek, and for rock play
• a large sand-play area surrounded by a rock garden
• raised garden beds for planting veggies above the poorly-drained clay soil
• a rain garden near the creek to soak up floodwater
• a sunflower patch
• a bamboo-framed teepee for a quiet hideout
• a fairy garden
• a natural loom for weaving flowers and grasses
• tree stumps and logs for balancing and hopping
• a flagstone and moss patio with a privacy fence and a fire pit

Then I asked the kiddos what they really wanted to see in the backyard. Waterbug (almost 3 years old) requested a pretend play set, pretend couch and pretend people. Ummmm...ok? He finally understood what I was looking for and requested a sand area with lots of trucks and a swing hanging from a tree branch. Check. Ladybug (4 years old) wants a picnic table and a seesaw. Easy enough. So their items are officially on the list of must-haves. 

the kiddos enjoing the REAL playset on a warmish,
but very muddy day

Ahhh! That's quite a list! And that doesn't include my "wants" of a low slackline, tree fort, split-rail fence enclosing the whole yard, tractor tire, and tall dirt mound! Those will be for another summer....