Creative Play

I love it when kids get away from their electronic gadgets and just play. I remember playing house, jumping on the trampoline, riding my bike, going on adventures in the neighborhood with my friends and just having fun! We never sat inside, watched tv, lived on the computer (we didn't even have a computer until I was 10), or played video games. Times have definitely changed.

About 18 months ago, we got rid of cable. Since then, Kamryn hasn't watched tv at all, with the exception of my reality shows. She will play Wizard 101 or other games on the laptop, or play her DS, but it's nice to not have her plopping in front of the television all afternoon. When her friends (or cousins) come over, I try to get them to PLAY, rather than just sit down with their DS's or sit at the computer.

We are a big game playing family. We have almost every single board game out there. Our closet is stacked with games. We love to chill in our pj's on a Friday night and just play games together. I love those moments with my kids (except for when Owen destroys the board setup), and hope that they will continue when the kids get older.

Gigi was here on Saturday evening and after the girls played Hide and Seek Tag through the house, they suddenly got silent. I came to check on them in the family room and this is what I found....They were playing Statue. One girl had to be perfectly still, like a statue, while the other one decorated them with toys. This went on for about an hour. Perfect. Quiet. I got dinner made with no interruptions.
Where was Owen during this hour?? He was sitting on the bottom step of the stairs and refused to come down. I have been teaching him to climb the stairs, but he has only mastered one stair so far. He is just so proud of himself that he stays on that one stair until I make him get down.

Me: "Owen, are you ready to come off the stair yet??"

Owen: "Noooooooo!!!" "Nooooooo!!" Then he proceeds to ignore me and watch his Yo Gabba Gabba movie. Hey, I didn't say I was against tv all together. I think a good hour of Yo Gabba Gabba and an occupied toddler is great for my sanity!!
We had a great weekend and we have a busy week ahead of us! Today was Karlee's (niece) 16th and Jon's (nephew) 12th Birthday Party. They are growing up so fast and are the sweetest kids. We have another party on Friday night, so I'll get some pictures then.

Tomorrow is Owen's cardiology appointment, so I will update more then. Happy Monday!!