And only four + a half hours later...
The giant Lego Star Wars box was opened as soon as Simon arrived home yesterday. It was definitely the first thing he wanted to do after he came in the door.
It was about that point in time when I looked on the box and noticed it said ages 9-14. Um, yep, I knew I was in for it.
Upon opening the box I was greeted to somewhere around 14 bags filled
with lego supplies. Lots and lots of small and smaller pieces. My first
task was to go in the kitchen and grab a couple muffin tins, cookie
sheets, and some blue cups because there was no way this task was going
to be tackled without some serious organization.
There were over 1300 pieces and two booklets. This photo right here was step 10. I think there were 60 some steps.
Simon's job in all this was simply not to whine and to help where he could. Amazingly, over the four + hours it took to put this ship together he did not break down once. He did ask if I was "done yet" a few times but no drama. He put all the little droids together - and practiced some counting as there were 23 in all. We had a nice little conversation as the afternoon and evening went along, talking about the legos, the baby, his birthday party, and school yesterday (they made a Chinese dragon that he was pretty excited about).
We took a little break for dinner and to put on jammies. And then it was finally done. It looks like this:
He didn't have much time to play with it before it was bed time, but it was a good start. I imagine tomorrow afternoon will be filled with some serious playtime. It's a pretty cool ship with lots of doors that open and close and three other small ships that go in and out (one carries all the droids).
I have to say that I liked the process. It's methodical and balanced and you just follow the directions...one small step at a time. As I was putting it together I was thinking that it's someones job to design these things and to figure out how all the pieces go together just right. Totally amazing.
Here's to a playful weekend at home and to 37 weeks tomorrow.
Coming next week: a Valentine minibook, a superhero giveaway, and a tour of the baby's room.
Ok that is a totally cool lego ship! I give you tons of credit on your patience. I would have given up long ago. & what a great idea to use the muffin tins! You have to post pix of Simon playing with it. It's so neat.
Can't wait for a photo tour of the baby's room!! So exciting!
Wendy
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I feel your pain, but they're amazing engineering feats huh? We have the exact same set...just wait till he decides it's time to take it all apart and make something new!
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That's it, Ali. I vote you mother of the year. I don't know how you did that. I couldn't have. I'm also amazed that you automatically go for organizing it all in tins and cups like that. I want to be organized but my brain doesn't naturally think that way and I have to observe and learn from other people who have brains who do.
So, uhhh, do you have a place already in mind for that ship in Simon's perfect bedroom? ;)
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Very cool lego ship! My husband would love it haha! There is a lego shop in Downtown Disney and I can't get my husband out of there without stopping in the store :)
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That is AWESOME! My husband would be so jealous. A few years ago, while at Disneyland, we saw that they had a Lego Death Star! But we didn't end up buying it. I know my husband is kicking himself for that.
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Well done, mom. I think I would have been whining just a wee bit. I remember when my boy was Simon's age and it Stars Wars all day, every day. I thought it would never go away, but it does...Enjoy!
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Props to you mama!
I had a very small Star Wars lego set to assemble on Christmas. And NO instructions! It took me a while, but I got it and only had 2 extra pieces. My son found the instructions AFTER I was done, and it turns out that I did it right and did actually have 2 extra pieces. Not sure I could have done that one without. LOL.
We're all thinking of you and your family as you count down the days till your baby girl arrives.
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My 11yo has been into legos for years! I'm certain I would not have had the patience for that lego project. LOL! I'm amazed at how organized you are even when it comes to building legos. I would never have been so clever. Enjoy your weekend and Happy 37 weeks!
Stacy :-)
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What a good mom! It's good this gift came pre-baby!!
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My son has the same one and it took him a long time as well.. so many small parts but in the end it is all worth it. Hope Simon enjoys it for lots of years. Have a great weekend.
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I like to think I've been a good Mom, but never...do you hear me....never would I have put that together. Bravo to you. You are a much better Mom that I'll ever be. I'm okay with that...you win. Mac
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That is wild! You are one patient mama.
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My son and I put that Lego ship together last year, as we have done with many, many StarWars sets through the years. He's 11 now and puts them together mostly by himself these days.
When he 'grows up' he wants to get the Death Star and put it together. Have you seen that beast?
...I can't even imagine!!!
It was great to see how you 'organized' all the pieces!
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Holy cow! Such patience from both of you. Ali, you are def ready for a 2nd child.
I also am very impressed by Simon's ability to wait through the process. I know some adults who aren't quite at that stage yet. ;-)
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Ali - you are brilliant! I never would have thought of the organizing before hand. Also, I wish you were my mom and I was a kid because you stuck through the FOUR hours.
I LOVE IT! Simon is so lucky - as are you +
Chris because your blog + family are lovely!
This post was a wonderful way to start the day!
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love these pictures. happy belated b-day to Simon. I adore Legos they are a part of so many good memories for my 14 year old son! We actually are still building Legos! so many great conversations were had while building models. tena
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Ali,
Thanks for your blog, I have been faithfully following for about 2 months now and I LOVE it! So much encouragement and inspiration to be creative.
My oldest son received two Lego sets for Christmas, so I understand this process! It was so great to begin and finish, now he has so much fun playing and rebuilding more and more fun stuff.
Praying that you will be strengthened these last weeks of carrying & growing your sweet baby. Can't wait to meet this precious gift from God.
Thanks again for your blog, I really enjoy it :)
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WOW- that took forever, but it's so worth it to see him play! He's must be so excited! YAY MOM! :o)
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this is an AMAZING ship! We have a soon-to-be 4 year old FANATIC here, and I honestly don't know how Simon kept calm that long. My little guys would be ravin' for that gizmo. Also noticed the big round one, in Simon's room; I've never seen this size of lego ... thanks for the heads up.
PS I am a lego convert and that's the only place I get involved in Star Wars - lots to learn, I guess?
37 weeks is my favourite part of pregnancy - like anytime is okay!!!!!!!!!!! yay for you!
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this is an AMAZING ship! We have a soon-to-be 4 year old FANATIC here, and I honestly don't know how Simon kept calm that long. My little guys would be ravin' for that gizmo. Also noticed the big round one, in Simon's room; I've never seen this size of lego ... thanks for the heads up.
PS I am a lego convert and that's the only place I get involved in Star Wars - lots to learn, I guess?
37 weeks is my favourite part of pregnancy - like anytime is okay!!!!!!!!!!! yay for you!
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Congrats on finishing the lego set.
My son received the giant stegosaurus kit for Christmas and managed to do about 3/4 of it by himself (which surprised me!)
Lots of fun times await Simon now!
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My boys are 13 and 11. It seems they were about Simon's age when they requested all the large lego sets....and Dad and I did most of the building. But I held on to them, and now they love to get them out. Of course, they would NEVER let their friends know it!
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The things we do for love...
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What a wonderful mama Simon has - and what a COOL Star Wars ship! I know some grown-up boys who would just love that. :) Thanks for sharing!
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Go Ali!!! That is a great job. I made Lego building a Daddy thing after I put together 3 or 4 of the Bionicle creatures!!
Enjoy the 37 week mark.
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