Through Wendy's Window: Hoops Anyone?

The ground has finally softened and it's time to make room for a new and much improved basketball hoop. Trey removes the old hoop and summons Alexander to begin their project.

Trey and Alexander spent several evenings digging, digging and digging some more. The directions for the basketball hoop require a 4 foot hole. In the midst of the digging, it rained, so Alexander spent some time removing water and digging some more. After about 2 feet, trouble began. So, Trey did some research and found that the newest addition to our tool collection should be a "slade". Well the slade came in quite handy, they sunk to three feet in no time and decided to wait another evening to finish the final foot.

Once the hole was dug, it was time to mix concrete...80 pound bags of concrete...thirteen 80 pound bags of concrete and two trips to Lowe's later, we had enough concrete to fill the 4 foot hole. Of course, I do need to mention that this project started at 7:30pm last Wednesday evening and concluded around 10:30pm. For those of you unaware, Lowe's stays open until 10pm!

Some more assembly required. Once, the hole was finished, the concrete had set for a few days--80+ degree weather certainly helped that process--it was time to add the "arms" to the pole. Again, father and son diligently working on their project together.

Moving the pole onto the concrete base took a little effort, but my strong hubby and son accomplished the task. Trey enlisted the help of our neighbor for the next step. The backboard, solid glass, is HEAVY! Alex and Trey held the backboard in place while Alexander attached the backboard to the arms.

Next step, attaching the hoop to the backboard. And finally, the last step--adding the net to the rim!

To widen the net, Alexander "dropped" the basketball--first time the ball went through the new net. Notice how low the hoop rests, well, Trey made if official--the hoop is now ten feet off the ground and ready for regulation play :o). Trey, Alexander and I played an aggressive game of "pig". Needless to say, I lost, but I did make several baskets--just not the right ones--"A" for effort though! We'll have lots of fun with the new hoop. Alexander has been practicing every day outside and he said the new hoop is SO much nicer than the old. He was asked to play on another rec team, so basketball games continue in the Martin household...coupled with track meets and soccer matches...oh my!