SUMMER BUCKET LIST // BUILD A KID BIKE WASH

Oh, Minnesota…thank you for finally gracing us with summer. This past weekend we decided we were going to build our kid wash/bike wash. We made a family trip to Home Depot and grabbed all the PVC pipe and fittings plus some purple cement-like stuff that apparently seals it all together. We headed home and the boys went down for the night. I went to work out and by the time I got back, Brandon had it nearly finished it. So much for getting in-process photos! The mosquitos were getting so bad (oh, Minnesota, I could have done without those…) so he headed in and finished it in the morning.

I had big plans, people. I mean I was going to get snacks and drinks and invite the neighborhood over. Well, I had already invited them but told them it was for the afternoon. Brandon thought he better test out the bike wash in the driveway as soon as he finished. Of course, one of our friends just happened to ride by with her two kiddos as it was being tested and so began the first session of bike washing. After a bit another family stopped by. So much for my big plans. It was cool and cloudy and overall just not a beautiful morning for water play but the kids played and the moms talked and I grabbed some snacks and drinks for all to enjoy. Not the snacks and drinks I had planned on for the night because those hadn’t been bought but I figured I’d make the best of it. Yes, on the inside I was pouting. Big plans, remember people?

Later in the afternoon the sun came out and I let everyone know we were turning it back on at 6:30. I ran out and bought snacks and drinks and frantically texted wives about what kind of beer their husbands like best. Neither of us like it so I’m beer clueless.  I set up some benches and chairs and put out the food and drinks. Guess what people? Three hours and 22 people in my front yard later, I high-fived my husband because seriously it was an awesome night. The littles played in the bike wash and with water squirters and ate and played some more. Bonus: They all played so NICELY together.  Twelve kids, ages 1-8 all played delightfully together with no major meltdowns. It was beautiful. It also left parents lots of time to talk (and laugh). We ended the night feeling so blessed to live in such a great neighborhood made of wonderful families and fabulous kids that my children adore.

Who would have thought a bike wash could bring on such gratitude. It’s the little things my friends.

We used these plans. We didn’t add the gate. Also, it should be noted that the measurements are not correct on this page. The red actually is 3ft and the orange is 1ft. I’m thankful for my hubby on this one because I would have not noticed the error until I had everything cut. The plastic rainbow streamers are actually meant for a doorway and are from Ikea.