When “Boomer” Entered our World

Every spring we head out to the back yard, dream a glorious dream of tiered decks, winding walled patios, or Tuscan lounging spaces. This year we decided that we don’t actually live in Italy, and instead of planning exotic living spaces, maybe we scale things down to something we could really afford and use before we actually move out of our house.  David knew a friend from work who did stamped concrete, and after some more reasonable discussions, a lot of problem solving, and a bit of elbow grease, we now have a lovely patio space out back.  Little did we know such a project would be such a family affair and change the boys’ game of play for the rest of the summer.

It all began with the dumping of the dirt.  Alex was so excited to have the dump truck pull up to our house, where he could watch first hand, meet the driver and peek (he was to nervous to actually go in) inside the truck.  And then came the magical moment of excavation. Enter Boomer, a mighty fine blue backhoe.  Boomer, his driver Chris, and Papa worked for a good part of the day driving the dirt from the driveway to the back area, dumping, shoveling, smoothing it out and then (Papa’s favorite) tamping it down firm and solid.  Oh how Alexander and Aidan watched and watched from the windows with questions and grins and completely mezmorized by all the loudness and grandness of a real digger working just feet away.

Then, finally, after overcoming a great many obstacles in pulling all the pieces (and people) together, it was cement pouring day.  Up pulled up the cement truck and the little crew got busy.  Rick drove the now-famous ‘buggy.’  Jay and Bobby, our professionals led the way, and David did whatever they told him to do.  And Alexander watched all so giddy, running full tilt up to the front yard every time Mr. Rick went up to get more concrete from the massive pouring truck.  Then he’d return to watch from the safety of the clubhouse as the guys spread and smoothed everything into place.  Meanwhile, Aidan toddled about in the clubhouse for some pretty cute stunts of his own.  Finally, the work was done and– even if we didn’t get to use it in the rainish weather– just in time for Aidan’s birthday party.

AND, well- ever since this patio, Alexander has named pretty much all his diggers “Boomer.”  And the big blue one in his sandbox is just his absolute favorite.  These diggers pick up blocks, debris, rocks, you-name-it, and smooth it, dump it into the dump truck, or take it to the dump-site.  We’ve seen a great many “patios” built in our sandbox the last several weeks, and a lot of smoothing and flattening going on.  Alex has always enjoyed watching a good digger show, but since this experience our home has not been the same.  Even Aidan gets into the mix with his little “brrrrr” sounds as he pushes ‘Boomer’ around, mimicking his brother so passionately.

What a grand spring project and what fun to watch these little boys delight in such “manly man” work.  And though we’re still waiting for the final glaze coating and a couple color touch-ups, we’ve been enjoying a lot of outdoor dinners, some lovely stable steps out to the yard, and quality kid play-on-their-own time, which has been priceless, indeed! 🙂

(written 14 June, 10)