Kids and their Imagination

As many of you will know, Nick is away in England for the next few weeks, so the three of us are left holding down the fort. We have been plenty busy with school, swimming, Beavers, playdates, camping and more! Today however, being a Sunday, was a chance to catch up on some sleep and for Mummy to get some work done. So, the kids were left to their own devices.

We had a mellow start with some reading, followed by some DVD's. This inspired their next game of firefighter. They really wanted to use the hose, but from the 1st of June, water restrictions have taken effect already (despite all our rain), so he made do with the watering can. While I ran up and down between the computer, trying to mulitask with househould chores and keep a general eye, I noticed all the stuffies paired up. "What are you up to now?" I ask. "Oh, we all have partners and are heading to the ball. Who is going to be your partner Mummy, Daddy's is away?", asks Issie. I chose Chocolate, our newly acquired stuffed dog, snoozing under the rocking chair. Well, in actual fact, I was deligated to official photographer, to capture this wonderful moment.

Feeling somewhat guilty, and getting extremely annoyed at how long it was taking me to sort, upload, and figure out this online digital ordering, I bribed the kids into a shopping trip with promises of cake. "Ooo, who's birthday is it?" enthuses Max. "No one's, we can just have a cake because," I reply. "Well, in that case it is Howlie's 4th birthday today," answers Max. And so it is. With kids in tow, I manage to buy my photo supplies, groceries, and of course a cake, without any trouble or complaints. After dinner, we put in four candles plus one for good luck, sang "Happy Birthday" and indulged! "We have to save one for Daddy," Max insists. I try and explain it won't last that long (although I fear it probably would!!), but I decide to freeze a piece to satisfy his wish. So, Nick, remember to check the freezer on your return.

Somewhere between all that our neighbour Chris and two of his kids come over, and an impromptue playdate begins. I don't have much time to supervise, but the kids throw themselves into their imaginative world. Before long, Reilie comes down to me, obviously bored with the dolls, and wants help with the train track. Arg, I just so want to get the photos done. But I cannot refuse her adorable face, and while she looks on, I manage in about 5 minutes to put together a respectable track. Issie and Max reaped the benefits of this construction at the end of the day.

Watching them today I was so impressed with how resourceful they were, and what fun they had. Who needs tv, computer games, or other fancy gadgets?!