Ali K play!

To break the winter blahs, today I made a corporate family decision to try out an indoor play park. It was AMAZING! I'd seen pictures and heard of TommyKplay from a few local moms and I was not disappointed. This is our first time to one of these types of places but from what I hear, this is one of the best for set up and monitoring stations/video feed.

They have a locked gate at the entrance and parent/s and child get a band with a number. Whenever a child leaves, they check all wrist bands to make sure you belong together. They do recommend supervision of your kids and I usually knew where she was in the play structure. There's a small canteena with kid friendly food (healthy and not so healthy) and tables with one row of comfy chairs.

I thought Mark and I would get to play a game and I brought my knitting, we didn't touch either one. Mark did get to catch up on reading though.

I did hover for the first 5 minutes while Alexiss got used to the place. Unfortunately it was a bit too crazy with kids for her to really meet up and make a friend with anyone. Despite not meeting and greeting, she still managed to play for 3 hours! This Mom mustered the courage for a short lived crawl around and a few zips down a super fast slide, Dad tried once as well! It was a little too congested to really spend lots of time in the play zone and us old folks slowed her down. Yes, I got pushed and trampled by a group of boys.

Alexiss was so good, helping smaller kids and waiting her turn amid it all. There were a few kids pushing and not waiting but it was out of pure excitement, Ali didn't boss, get angry or push back, she stood aside and patiently waited. When she was overwhelmed she'd come back for a little quiet time on the iPad. Little miss smarty pants has even packed a headset!

I can't wait to go back during the week when it's not as busy and we can bring her buddy Jack so she'll have someone to share every step and slide with.

I'm not sure if Ali's smile was bigger or mine

In three hours Alexiss took about three breaks. I had brought the iPad for Mark but Alexiss ended up using it for some quiet time. It was LOUD!

A day full of play

Okay, one more.

Today we play play played!

When we finally got moving (around 10AM), we went to visit Jessica and Jack. I dare think we overstayed our welcome but Jessica is a breath of real air and our conversations, although scattered, are always enlightening.

We finally made it home around 2. Although Ali wanted to come in a flake out for a bit the draw to play with "my friend Ashley" won out. Up the porch she went, knocked on the door and was rewarded with a big hug from Ashley and the two of them traipsing to the back yard to play. As it cooled off, and after Ash got dad's permission, they both came in to watch Pink Panther

Ashley's great with Alexiss and wants to be the big sister. Ali's more than happy to sit and have her hairbrushed. Dinner time was creeping close and our little princesses were still having fun so I asked Ashley if she wanted to stay if her parents said okay. They said okay!

The sat at the small Dora table and ate...and wiggled...and giggled...