Trampoline...

you cannot NOT be happy when you're jumping on a trampoline.

I have found Kelsey out back jumping on the trampoline quite a bit this summer. A friend of ours gave us the trampoline...their youngest son was getting too big and old for it. They brought it over late last summer, and we didn't bother putting it up. So at the beginning of this summer, the friend who gave it to us, came over with his son and assembled it and put it up for us. What a guy! And, can you believe this friend, happens to also be our insurance agent!

Yes, that being said, I still had concerns about having this dangerous piece of play thing in my backyard. I thought we should have one of those netting things that go all around, and then I thought, no more than one child at a time, and then...etc., etc. I'm still a little nervous when all three kids jump on it at once. And, if the boys have a friend over, I have them only go two at a time and not with Kelsey on. So, I do have my rules.

I think it's a great way of getting the "wiggles" out. We don't have a huge yard -- and with the dogs and gardens, not much room to run around. And, since Kelsey can't ride her bike around the block, I also think the trampoline is a good way for her to "blow-off" some energy. She's been known to sneak back there in the morning with her pajamas on and before she's done eating her breakfast. Little stinker!

All the kids like it when I go on and jump with them...now that makes me really nervous because with my weight....I could bounce those kids up and over the garage!! But, I try to take it easy and make Kelsey hang on to my hands. I like just having them all sit down with me or lay on our backs and look up at the sky. We talk about things and they seem more open to talk to me in this environment. I think they also feel they truly have my undivided attention. And, since we've just been jumping, bouncing and giggling for ten minutes (and me complaining about my knees) I think that helps. We talk about the fun we've had over the summer, upcoming school and schedules, and more.

So, there you have it...the 'ole trampoline has been a lot of fun and I like to think it's brought the kids and I just a little closer.