Anyway, one other event--we helped my dad take down a massive pine tree in their yard (so the garden can get more sun). I took lots of pics to send to my brother and sister on their missions because it was such a huge undertaking. Here's a some pics from that day:
First, my dad decided to cut a branch off the oak tree that might be in the way when the big pine tree fell--he cut it too close to the ladder and almost had a big fall! John saved him by throwing up a rope to give him more leverage on the ladder. The funniest part was even though he came close to a huge ladder accident he would not DROP his brand new chainsaw. We first had to rescue the power tool before we helped my dad.
After the first cut there was some technical difficulty with the chainsaw. It took at least an hour to get it working again--my dad was NOT pleased.
Isaac was pretty scared of the loud chainsaw so he happily took a nap after the first branch was cut.
Esther had to bring her skates to show Grandma and Papa her skills and to practice! Lucy likes to wear her crown everywhere lately.
My brother brought my Grandpa over to watch the event. He played the peanut gallery to a tee--he told my dad at least ten times that the blade he had was not big enough to cut down the tree. When the chainsaw was broken he even made the remark that he hoped they didn't fix it because he didn't think his small blade would work. At one point he even offered to hire a professional to do the job because he was so worried about the size of the chainsaw.
Dad making the cut with his "small" chainsaw.
John, Jake, and our neighbor attempt to pull the tree in the direction of the yard--unfortunately the tree won...
It fell right on the fence, but at least it didn't hit the neighbor's garage.
It took us a good few hours to haul all the branches and lumber to the street. Esther thought it was pretty fun to use the sled to haul branches.
Here are the many piles that once made a tree. We were all exhausted, scratched, and sappy by the end of the day but it was a good experience to work hard together. I have to admit that it's pretty exciting to watch a huge tree FALL! Not as exciting to clean it up.
4 comments:
That looked like quite the undertaking! My main comment, however, is about Esther's rollerblades. Like mother like daughter, time for Lagoon trails?!
The story of Grandpa makes me chuckle! I can totally see it and I can see that being Paul and Dad in a few years! How funny!!
It was great being with you guys last weekend! Thanks for enduring the long, late night! Tell Jacob and Monique thanks for helping you out so you could come!!
I love this account! I can picture it all! It reminds me of three other experiences:
1) two years ago at Grandpa's clean-up day I recorded your dad, Steve, Tad, and Jerry take out Grandpa's tree....I must admit I had my doubts :)
2) after my dad's mission my Grandpa Hale had my dad holdnthe rope of a tree while my grandpa cut. . .my dad tried to suggest otherwise but my grandpa wouldn't hear of it. . . Until the tree fell on the neighbor's house and took put all of their power. Didn't go over very well when the neighbor came out to investigate and saw my grandpa standing on a ladder with a chainsaw
3) once Grandpa Hess was cutting a branch off his house. A man from the courthouse came out and said "Milt, I thought you were smarter than that." Grandpa had the ladder propped up on the side of the limb that would fall when it was cut. . .he said he had it all planned put and that he figured he could climb down fast enough!!!
I'm sad. I remember that tree Kate. Now I'm sure you have a huge hole in your yard. Crazy that it's gone. I'm so glad no one was hur. What a massive undertaking!
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