Play Play Play

The other day, I read this great article about kids and play: "Give Childhood Back to Children..." and I really do think it's such an important part of their growing up.  Not to mention, by being home together, how much wonderful bonding time that Nora and Lily are getting. They're really becoming best of friends.  The other night they decided to 'secretly surprise' me by cuddling up together at bedtime and ended up falling asleep together. Awwww!

The best has been listening in on their play and to see how so much of it is based on their imaginations!  It may start off from playing a role from a book, or show, or movie, or playing family but then it takes a life of its own also incorporating their real time experiences.  You know they've been listening to you when you start to hear a bit of yourself in their play, both good and bad! :)

There are always the moments of things getting tense, or someone not listening or sharing, but everyone's learning and it has been rewarding to see how they're growing.  Nora, especially, I really think she is improving on her patience with Lily or even her negotiating skills in a nice way... it's not always perfect, but neither are my patience skills sometimes :)

Our house is generally a bit of a mess but it is mostly because I'm having to find my way around all the different type of forts they've created!  They love it, constantly using all sorts of stuff around our house for making secret hiding spots, forts for themselves, forts for their dolls, just about anything could use a fort if they had their way.

For Christmas, the girls got a set of Magna Tiles and since then have not stopped playing with them. Similar to the idea of lego and building things, they've really been captivated by these.  If you've been thinking about getting magna tiles, don't think any more, just get them!  Seriously, they're hours and hours of endless entertainment for the girls so far.  You should see some of the fancy houses you can make, now they want another set so they can make even bigger houses!  I wish building our dream home were that easy! :)

And it's pretty cute, Lily will sometimes decline watching tv so that she can get full access to all the tiles while Nora's watching a show.

Girls, I love that you play and play and play!  Let your imaginations run wild and don't let any story be too silly or too strange, run with it and play on!