Why buy expensive toys?

My girls typically would rather play with a box than most toys.

It can be a great hideaway for when they've got something they're not supposed to have.

Or we can play peek-a-boo.  Or a little hide-n-seek.

Regardless of what we've got on hand, it's just fun playing with my kids.

A day at the park

We took the girls to the park today for a little bit of fun.

Grace and Faith were so excited to play there with their Daddy.

At first, Faith was a little unsure about going down the slide.

But then we discovered the swings!

And once Faith was in one, she wouldn't get out.

Big sister Grace had fun pushing her little sister around for a change.

Both my girls are growing up much too fast.

An Arabian princess rides a camel

Grace has a pretty vivid imagination.  And so does her Pappy.

This isn't Grace riding on her Pappy's back.

She's an Arabian princess riding her camel across the desert!

Visiting Charlotte: Playing outside

One thing we did almost every day during our visit to Charlotte was play outside!

Sometimes we'd play in the sandbox.

Or pretend to be cowboys and cowgirls.

We'd hunt for lizards.

And then use them for target practice.  (Please note:  No animals were actually harmed during our visit.)

Sometimes, Stephen would play Tarzan looking for his Jane.

Jane could often be found just hanging out.

Then Tarzan would join her.

Sometimes we were snakes slithering in the grass.

Other times we just enjoyed simple snacks in the sunshine.

Faith took some of her first steps outside.

Even though she wasn't happy about it.

Joe could always be counted as a great adventure guide.

And a fast spinning windmill.

Spinning the kids around and around.

Upside down, of course.

 When not being twirled around, Grace wanted to make Faith feel included by tickling her with a leaf.

I don't think Faith was too fond of that leaf tickling her. 

But she loves her sister madly, just like her sister loves her.

Playtime

One of our favorite past times is playing with building blocks.

 Grace helps me build the "tallest tower."

 And Faith laughs when she knocks it down.

 After a while, it turns to tickle time!

Most of all, I just enjoy playing with my kids.

Park fun

The girls and I went to the local park today.

 And they decided to swing.

Faith wasn't so sure abou those swings at first.  Grace loved them.

 But Faith decided pretty quickly that she liked swinging, too.

 I just now noticed that Grace has her shoes on the wrong feet.  Again.

 Shall we go higher, Faith?

 Wheeee!

Look at my chunky little monkey!  She's having a blast watching Grace.

Grace, do you want to go higher?

 Whooooaaahhhh!

 That's fun!

 Faith's hair is now long enough to blow in the wind.

 And you wouldn't believe that Grace's hair is nearly 12 inches when it's pulled out straight.  Not that it's ever straight.  Even in the bath, it just curls right up.

 Hi there!  Faith has learned to wave.

 Faith watched as Grace zipped by.

 Hehehe!

 I pushed both girls in those swings until they were begging to get out.

 Then we headed over to the slides.

 Faith, you ready?

 Faith replied by leaning in to her big sister.

 And they swished down the slide.

And ended in a bundle of arms and legs.  But they both loved it and wanted to do it again.  And again.  And again.  And again.