The Trampoline

We have a trampoline in our back yard.  We have had a trampoline in our back yard for about 10 years.

Not the same trampoline.  Our current trampline is our second trampoline.

The first trampoline was assembled during one of our kids' birthday parties.  Mom took the kids out to the movies, and while we were gone Dad and 2 friends helped put the big surprise together.  This took nearly the entire 4 hours we were gone, but they luckily finished right before we got home.

We live on a cul-de-sac, and we have always had the casual agreement among neighbors that our kids could share each other's swingsets.  We do not have a swingset, but when we got the trampoline, it joined our community collection of outdoor kids playstuff.

We have been advised by outsiders (usually individuals who have worked or currently work in the insurance industry in some way) that this may not be the safest way to live, and that at any point we could sue or be sued.  From the beginning, the participating neighbors have maintained a verbal agreement that we wouldn't sue if an accident happened.  And luckily, none has had an accident.  Or sued.

A couple weeks ago, I thought that we should maybe get rid of it.  My kids hadn't been on it and rarely did I see neighbor kids enjoying an afternoon jump.  Or an anytime jump.

In the past couple weeks, however, I noticed something more than just the lower temperatures.  I can see the trampoline easily from many rooms in the back of our home.  While doing laundry or grabbing a bite to eat, I can see right outside. And lately I have been noticing that there has been a lot more activity on the trampoline.

Sometimes I see a few boys jumping.  Sometimes there is a brother and sister out there jumping together and playing a game.  Other times there might be 2 or more girls in a group, sitting or laying in assorted positions, having a long, relaxed chat.  This has been daily for about 2 weeks now.

It is time for us to get rid of this trampoline, for certain.  A month ago I never would have predicted I would want another one, as our youngest is in 7th grade this year.  But now I am having second thoughts.  Third trampoline-type thoughts.

I think about all kids' friends that have been over in the past week, as we were trying to cram in as much summer as possible.  What is the first thing the friends have wanted to do when they come over?  Yep, jump on the trampoline.

Just over two years ago when my aunt was in town from Florida, she asked if she could jump on the trampoline, and she did!  She is in her 60s and enjoyed her jump quite a bit.

Now that we have finished purchasing school supplies and kids head back to schools this week, I'm thinking our next shopping trip might have to include some trampoline shopping.