Sunday, June 14, 2009

Summer Stock Sunday #3 - Our New Toy

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Our new toy isn't strictly a summertime toy, more of a year-rounder, but since we got it in the beginning of the summer and are spending many summer days (and nights!) in and around it - and since it involves summer clothing - I figure it works for Summer Stock. I'm a risk-taker that way.
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This particular toy was a long time coming. I've wanted one for as long as I can remember. Ever since my parents waited until I moved halfway across the world to put in one of their own in fact. (Wasn't that sweet of them? Wait until the kids leave then start living it up! Yeah, that's what I thought. What do you mean supporting kids is expensive, and they didn't have any extra disposable income until their two leaches kids moved out? How is that fair I ask you?)

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The very first time we came to look at this flat back when we were househunting I took one look at the completely empty rooftop patio and said "there! That's the spot for the hot tub." It took twelve more years (and a very large and scary crane capable of reaching the ninth floor) to turn that dream into reality but at long last it has, and oh boy are we enjoying it.
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Click to enlarge
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The most fun was the fact that we didn't tell the kids anything until it was actually standing on the roof ready for use. At first we didn't want to deal with the atomic-level disappointment that would result if the structural engineer said it was a no-go, and then we figured that heck, we've kept it a secret this long, why not a few more days. So we did.
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And this is what happened when they found out:
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I think it was a hit, don't you?
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What are you all up to this fine summer week? Got those hot dogs and steaks on the grill? Cold beer in the cooler? Planning a vacation somewhere, or a fabulous staycation? Don't forget to sign the linkie once your Summer Stock post is up so we can all share some summertime fun.
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44 comments:

maryt/theteach said...

Robin, I would act just the same way the kids did if I got a jacuzzi! Ha! My Summer Stock Sunday is up! :)

maryt/theteach said...

Did they have to lift it over the house to get it into the backyard? Yikes! But worth it I must say! :)

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

Okay, feel free to teach me how to have happy kids who don't snipe at each other all summer long...

Mazel Tov on the new toy. Use it in good health and no more muscle aches!

Robin said...

We're in a high-rise Mary - they had to lift it up to our 9th floor rooftop patio! Later this week I'll share the photos of the crane taking down two trees that had grown too high for the roof - now THAT was scary!

maryt/theteach said...

Robin I fixed my link (so sorry!) Only you can eliminate the first one which doesn't work...

maryt/theteach said...

OMG! Robin! I didn't know! What a job! I'm glad you told me and I'll be back to read the story of getting the jacuzzi up to the 9th floor! :)

Robin said...

For some reason Blogger's not showing me as logged in right now Mary, so I can't delete it yet. It's late at night here now so I'll have to try again in the morning. In the meantime I'm sure people will figure it out :).

Anonymous said...

I myself think that was a big hit. Loved the video. And keeping it a suprise - well done :)

Anonymous said...

I am still trying to see the video - but it says: not available now - I'll keep trying - I bet the kids broke the world record on excitement. I hope you still will have time posting - you may find out you don't want to come out of the water! Use sunscreen - my nose is red cause I forgot yesterday. Bozo the clown has competition in my face :)

Anonymous said...

I saw it finaly! Love the little dance your boy did on the ground - with the kicking move :) Hope you enjoy the watery bubly fun whole summer!

Samantha ~ Holly and Zac ~ said...

That is a cool thing to have, i often look at those when we go to shows and events where they have them for sale and one is set up bubbling away.

Very relaxing!

I think your children were excited...hehe

I will be playing soon, i have been on holiday and have also been having pc problems. I am trying to catch up with things on here and when i am sorted out i shall get back into memes including this one.

Mama Pajama said...

Nice. Love the video!

Libby's Library said...

I'd love to have one of those babies on my back porch!
Thanks for hosting Summer Stock Sunday.

Julia Phillips Smith said...

Oh, I love the video! And hearing your voice, too! What an amazing feat, getting the jacuzzi up there. But how happy everyone looks in the center photograph.

Phyllis Sommer said...

now that is a great rooftop toy!

i don't have a sss picture post this week since i had to host haveil havalim - so i gave you a link over there instead;-)

Glennis said...

Lovely surprise for the kids.
Year round fun for you all.

Carletta said...

That is excitement!
Joy and laughter is contagious - thanks!
Looking forward to seeing the "How did they do that".

Dina said...

Wow, titchadshu!

Jack Steiner said...

Very nice. I miss my hot tub.

Bim said...

That looks so exciting, crane and all!

Anonymous said...

This looks great! I'd love to have something like this. The video is funny.

aspiritofsimplicity said...

It looks like you are in for a great summer. Of course it could be pretty fun on winter evenings as well.

Melli said...

Robin! That is PRICELESS! How very cool that you were able to keep that secret! Amazing! I have always wanted one too... I guess I have to wait until the last one moves out -- that would be my HUSBAND! LOL! No jacuzzi for me... ENJOY yours!!!

Indrani said...

Enjoyed the video, great post!

Daryl said...

Now that's a pretty special way to dive into summer .. mazel tov .. enjoy!

And thank you for linking me... xo

Dianne said...

that's fabulous! they were so happy :)
your roof deck is beautiful!

Leora said...

I am smiling and jumping up and down with your kids.

mother in israel said...

That looks like fun!

HeatherK said...

very Good. I could use one of those today.

Thorne said...

Too much fun for all! I love roof gardens. Are they as common then in the cities of Israel as they are in Greece? I loved traveling there and seeing the greenery cascading off the rooftops. So striking and surprising!

Jessica The Rock Chick said...

I'd be jumping up and down the same way if I had a hot tub like that in my yard!!! Very cool! I just love them. Sometimes we do a "staycation" at a nearby hotel and water park just for the sheer pleasure of soaking in the hot tub!!!!

Anonymous said...

Oh, yes! Definitely a big hit! That was quite an undertaking! You really had to have wanted the hot tub quite badly to go to such lengths! I'll bet it was worth it, too!

imom said...

Our kids loved our hot tub so much! I'm sure you will all get much enjoyment from it!

Dina said...

Robin, the link to the Festival of Light is www.lightinjerusalem.org.il
but tonight it does not seem to be working.

It is from about 8:00 or dusk until 11:00 pm. June 10-16.
I received a printed booklet about the events and installations in Hebrew inside Jaffa Gate, outside the Tourist Office. Also a map of the events and maslulim, in English.

You can Google to find articles in the Israeli press in English, e.g
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1244034995389&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Shannon said...

So fun! I just love their reaction. Great summertime photo and toy.

Anonymous said...

This Sunday its all about the Flag since today is National Flag Day!

Wishing you a red, white and blue day!
Patty

Mojo said...

Sure appear that it was a hit! And I made it just under the wire -- it's still Sunday here in my part of the world (albeit just barely!)

RivkA with a capital A said...

So awesome!!! So jealous!! ENJOY!!

Amanda Guthrie said...

I know you'll enjoy your new goodie, we love ours but with the water shortage we decided to fill only the pool for the girls right now (sob!)I love the whole post you put together this week very cool stuff!

Happily Retired Gal said...

Ah ... brings back memories of when I acquired MY first spa. May you all enjoy it for many years to come. Your collage would 'work' for Mosaic Monday too ;--)
Hugs and blessings,

Anonymous said...

Based on Itai's reaction, he and A would be the best of friends. A would react in the exact.same.way. LOL! Sigh...boys...LOL!
And I can't imagine a crane hauling that thing up 9 stories. Wow.

Grace @ Sandier Pastures said...

Wow, wow, wow!! I wish our balcony/patio were even half of what you have! I am sure they will go out for a swim everyday. Can Pristine come and play too? She loves pools! :-)

bichonpawz said...

Wow! What a beautiful rooftop patio you have! I cannot even imagine them hoisting that thing high in the air to get it on the roof....you must have been holding your breath!! You all look so happy and the kids sound thrilled!! Love this post!! It screams, "Happy Summer!!"

Gilit Frank said...

Wow - great video. And now you have it documented. Your kids can't ever go to a psychologist and complain about a miserable childhood. You have evidence to the contrary ('bli ayin harah', as they say!!!)!!!