King Kong Castle Playset

Never saw this day coming but we now have a gigantic playset in our backyard. We are the owners of a Rainbow King Kong Castle, a twelve-year old hand-me-down from our neighbors.

Getting this big piece of equipment was not easy or simple. I'll try to summarize the twists and turns of (a) convincing us to buy it, (b) actually buying it, and (c) dismantling/moving/and erecting it in our yard.

Here it is. King Kong.

Last year, the Pribbles sent subtle hints that they were ready to unload the playset. At that time, I didn't want it and showed no interest.

This spring, they approached me and suggested that "King Kong" would look good in our empty backyard. I replied with a laugh and a "maybe." A few days later, I brought Laura over to see if she had interest... and of course, she immediately LOVED it, wanted it, and begged for me to buy it.

The next time I saw the Pribbles, I asked how much $? He shrugged his shoulders and gave me the runaround. I thought, "Oh no, the roles have reversed. I now want this darn thing and he is no longer selling."

Two weeks later, more determined than ever, I coincidentally bumped into him on a walk, asked again, and he replied that they were now offering it to a family member. For several weeks, I stewed in bitterness that I didn't act faster.

Fast forward to late July, about two months from the initial discussion, I decided to go to their house with cash in hand and tell them I'll buy it. And just like that...SOLD.

Now was the issue of getting that thing into our yard. I asked a buddy to assist and we gave it a go for about 10 minutes. It was apparent that this task was way too big for us novice handymen. I leveraged the online directory of Craigslist and found a guy who used to work for Rainbow and does installation on the side. I paid him $200 bucks and he dismantled, moved, and installed it in less than 4 hours. Money well spent.

That's the story in a nutshell. The end result is what matters most - Ryan and Laura absolutely love it and play on it daily! That's the point, right?

Ryan's favorite thing to do is the swing and slide, whereas Laura digs the monkey bars, trapeze and rings, and swing. In fact, we have had a couple of picnics and a number of snacks on it. Fun times.

Late in the fall, I put in a sandbox for Ryan. I would say that he enjoys playing in the sandbox but has more fun throwing sand out of the sandbox...stinker!

Typical evening - hanging out on the playset

"Underdog, Dad"

Laura loves the monkey bars. "Catch Me!"

Ryan fell through a few times but determined to climb again

Coming at ya!

Ryan wants Dad to trap him on the slide

The playset is complete with sandbox and all