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Water Table Magic
The warmer(ish) weather we’ve been starting to have around these parts inspired me to start thinking what ways we could take advantage of, and maximize the back yard that we are enjoying right now, for Jasper’s benefit. A bit of research (on several parenting and Montessori blogs) later, and a water table was one primary piece of what I wanted to do.
Instead of buying some crazy over-priced ($300+) water table, or even just the plastic, probably-going-to-break, and still-too-expensive-for-what-it-is from Target, I decided to make my own.
A bit of research (on several parenting and DIY construction blogs) later, I had a design in mind. The article from a mom’s blog doesn’t provide any specific instructions, but the pictures are clear enough, and the design is simple enough.
I enlisted the help of my father-in-law and his tools, and he and my mother-in-law obligingly agreed to help me out with the whole process since Jasper’s and my man is outta town for work (galavanting through the woods of eastern Washington near Holden Village, the poor thing).
We headed out to Home Depot to pick up the wood, and within 45 of arriving at the store, the entire water table was built.
…not what we were expecting either.
The Home Depot guy who came to help us, as it turned out, is a miracle worker. Instead of just cutting the wood we needed, the man offered to build the whole thing for us. …we did not say no.
By the time the table was done, about 45 minutes after our arrival (he worked fast despite a completely busted knee from a hunting accident) he and my father-in-law were pals, and Jasper was practically calling him uncle. When everything was assembled, we moved the table from it’s back on the construction gurney down to the floor - all four feet touching ground. It didn’t wobble, or make a sound. Solid.
His co-workers came around to see his handy work as he escorted us to the checkout stand, materials list at the ready. Pictures were a must, as you can see.
That had to have been the most efficient trip to Home Depot, ever. And all for $26.
The weather finally warmed up enough today again to actually let Jasper dig in. He barely left the table’s side for a good hour and a half.
Best $26 spent on a toy? Yessss, indeedy.
