Until recently we had two loveseats in the backyard that we genuinely never used (more on that here and here). They’re pretty and really well made, but they don’t fit our lifestyle right now. We aren’t in our sitting-down era. There’s always someone to kick a ball with, someone to rescue from an excited ant colony, someone who needs a refill of a fairy potion, someone with a splinter, someone who needs a snack. And when I’m not tending to the girls, I’m out there pruning something or tending my seeds. Sitting still outside feels like a luxury that I can’t seem to achieve. (I’m working on it.)
We also had a hammock that got a use when it was just Margot. She and Ross would read out there and they both loved it. (I was probably busy clipping overgrowth or turning the compost). Then Hattie arrived, and the hammock cuddles became a competition for the same spot and there’s now more splinters, more snacks, more needs.
All this to say, we got rid of the seating corner entirely and replaced it with a play structure that the whole family can use (even at the same time!), multiple swings and climbing, too. It has a hammock seat that even I can enjoy, if I can ever just set down the clippers and sit. Bijou Build gifted us the whole system. You can see it in action here. You can click my link and use code THEGOLDHIVE for 15% off your own set. But a giveaway is coming too, if you wanna take the gamble on winning a structure.
I sat on this decision for a while (like I do all my decisions, for better or worse) mostly because we weren’t sure where it would live or whether it would actually grow with the girls. I initially planned for a playhouse when we renovated the yard. Thinking a cute cozy place to read would be nice. But I’ve come to learn that we have plenty cozy corners inside (that aren’t filled with spiders like an outdoor structure would be) and that what Margot and Hattie really need are places outdoors to get out energy, to do heavy work, to get vestibular input, to play. I struggled to find a play structure that would provide a cozy spot AND climbing and swinging. Everything felt like a compromise or way too big of a footprint that our yard could handle. I circled the Bijou Build site for two years (two years! oof) before committing. I wish I’d done it sooner.
We are outside as much as we can possibly be. And I’m making a goal of trying to sit down on that little hammock seat more.
Bijou Build components we got: Monkey Business Bundle (with wood), A-Frame Swing Arm Adaptor Kit (with wood), Outdoor Baby Swing with Supportive Seat, Sway Swing, Adventure LED Twister Spinner Toy, Adventure Skate Board Swing, Bijou Kubix Swing. I failed to order the Hover Swing, so that’s sitting in my shopping cart. Remember THEGOLDHIVE gets you 15% off!
I feel ya, I too have been circling their website for over a year now…love the concept! My boys would love it