balancing act

We spent a lot of time at the Lineberry's the past couple weekends helping with finishing touches for their new loft library.  I felt a little responsible as I convinced them they could use Ikea to create a built-in look at a much more affordable price.  Because Amy cried in a corner the first time she went to Ikea, I should have known better.  In the end, it turned out magnificently and they are all very happy to have all their books in one place and a great place for the girls to read, play music, and craft.

the crown molding and library lights take the look to a whole new level

While we were there making the magic happen, Ben had tons of fun in their basement gymnastics area and particularly on the balance beam.  I quickly took to Craigslist in search of one but was unsuccessful.  As new ones are $300+, Amy mentioned her dad had built hers and she was a real-deal gymnast as a kid.  Well, built and DIY = Pinterest, and there I found my answer.  There was a tutorial for a $30, one day DIY balance beam and I sent it to Ryan to get the wheels turning.  I cleared our calendar and sneakily left a car at the Linberry's that Cole just had to bring to us, and we kidnapped him for most of the day.  As with the tutorial, Ryan did a few extra steps and also insured it was built to Olympic specifications.  Although I went to bed thinking it would need a little more time Sunday, I woke up to this gem in our living room................

 The process.....

 

I was at a conference that morning and he even sent me carpet color samples to choose from.  I've done good with that one in 7.5 years.

It really did come in right at $30 and took a day.  The boys even had Ben in tow all morning and still managed to knock it out in a day.  It now resides in the basement hallway and Ben uses it a lot.  His OT at school has given me some great activities to improve balance and core muscles and we start gymnastics in a couple weeks. :)