A tree in our way

We've been planning a swingset for the boys in the backyard and when we plotted its location, we discovered a tree was going to be in the way. We debated about hiring someone to come cut it down, but we thought we could do it ourselves (as always, I use 'we' loosely and like often, we doesn't include me - I'm not skilled in tree cutting). We asked Leland if he would mind bringing his chainsaw and helping us (aka Scott) cut down the tree. After several days of analysis and pondering the best way to take down the tree that angled preciously toward our house, the guys made the executive decision that the tree was NOT coming down. If they trimmed enough branches away, it would open a clearing for the swingset and all would be well. Since we've already established that I'm not a tree expert, and they (Leland, Scott, my dad, David) seemed pretty adamant that it wasn't possible to do it safely (for them or the house), I agreed.

Lucky for us, Kelli, David and Trent were in town for a baseball tournament and had a long break between their morning and afternoon games, so they came over for a visit.  Unlucky for David, that means we asked him if he would help!


They cut down a lot of big, low hanging branches then cut them up into smaller pieces that could be bundled up or put in Leland's truck to take to the dump.


Our backyard was covered with tree branches!


Liam did a good job entertaining Aunt Kelli and Grandma.




He had fun with Trent too!


Karsten missed all of the tree cutting because he was napping.  Shhh, he doesn't even know that Kelli, David and Trent and Papa were here.  He would be sad if he knew all the action he missed!  He still got to help with the cleanup - there was lots of it as all those branches dropped a LOT of little branches and leaves.