We spent another three hours at the park today. Man, I have it made in the shade (no pun intended, since I did spend most of the time in the shade both yesterday and today!). While the other moms are busy chasing their little toddlers around or pushing them on the swings and helping them on the slides, I’m sitting back and chillin’ like a villain while my suddenly big and independent Alyssa and Ryan are happily riding their bikes and scooter, running around, swinging on their own, clambering all over the equipment on their own, etc. Don’t get me wrong — I help push them on swings and go down the slides with them. I also chased them down every 20 minutes or so to push cold water and additional sunscreen on them. But for the most part they preferred to be left to their own devices, and believe me, I was just fine leaving them to them! ;)
What the books on parenting don’t tell you is how exhausting those afternoons spent outdoors can be. They also don’t tell you how much allergies suck, but then again I suppose it’s common sense to not spread a beach blanket on top of freshly cut grass and sit down amongst grass, trees and all sorts of blossoming shit and not expect to be sneezing your head off.
So yeah. That was my day. And my yesterday, too. On the bright side, I was able to get plenty of work done (on my netbook! Love it!) while the kids played their hearts out. A win-win situation for the three of us! 
P.S. This whole turn-the-kids-loose-at-the-park thing is pretty damn cool. I think we’ll be doing it again tomorrow afternoon!
P.P.S. This whole traditional work week thing? It sucks and rocks at the same time. For the first time in a very long time I am all THANK FREAKING GOD IT’S ALMOST FRIDAY.
I love that first photo with your daughters hair all over the place from the static of the plastic slide. So great. Also, I am so jealous. Even though I am done with classes I have not had the time to just sit down on the grass and relax yet this spring.
I love that first pic, especially Alyssa’s hair. Hahah. Productivity, fresh air, and the kids have fun? It’s definitely a win-win. I’m anxiously awaiting Gracie being able to do more independent things since it is so hard to keep her from getting bored. I am also waiting on the nice weather but avoiding the outdoors. Bronchitis is not too kind.
OMG the static electricity! That was so cute!
Very nice way of spending time out with kids.
Nice pictures as well.
Personally, I think it’s a good sign for the parent when the kids are able to play on their own without constantly being entertained. My parents certainly didn’t try and entertain me every second of every day when I was younger. This is the approach I want to take with my kids. While I do plan on pushing them, going down the slides with them, etc I want them to learn that mommy doesn’t have to be there 24/7 for them to have fun. It’s a great approach in my opinion.