Boys and Girls

This weekend Greyson had the opportunity to interact with lots of friends. I was remarking on these interactions and how it's new to see him playing with kids his age - but I guess he does it all the time at school... I just usually don't get to witness it.

Our first activity this busy weekend was a work picnic. Only a few kids there, but we did get to swing on the playground and visit the lake a few times. There was a little girl struggling to get onto the baby swings while I was pushing G. He told me "that girl needs help" so I reluctantly helped her onto the swing. Walking that fine line between being helpful and modeling good citizenship for my son, while not wanting to overstep any boundaries with a strange child. But I was pleased to see that he noticed her struggling and that she needed help. Next we'll work on talking about strangers and who we should help in what situations... fun stuff.

After the work picnic we all enjoyed a long nap and were late to the next party, Lennon's 2nd birthday party. There were loads of little guys and girls at the playground, and Grey was shy at first but ended up climbing on the play structure with his older boy friends. They're great at looking out for him. Unfortunately they were in the midst of teasing the two girls on the playground and talking about "fart machines" to the great amusement of Greyson. A glimpse into our future I guess.

Later, as the littlest party-goers were being entertained by bubbles, I saw Grey push a toddler down on purpose. We had a little chat, and he apologized with a hug. I assume he doesn't act like that at school... hopefully I would know if my child was the class bully. Makes me want to ask more questions at daycare, maybe spy on the playground.

After most of the kids left, Greyson started playing with Truman who is about a year older. They stomped in the dirt, poked at the ashes in the grill, played "bad guy" and monster (which involved shouting "I'm a bad guy! I'm a monster!" and making sinister faces). They clanked swords (ride-on pony and bubble wand), and caused mayhem. It was the first time I had seen Grey really run and play with someone. I was delighted and terrified! They were such boys, and they were the spitting images of their fathers as boys. And their fathers made a lot of trouble in their day. But ultimately, I'm thrilled that True and Grey have discovered each other, may their friendship be as strong as their daddies'.

The boys continued their fun after the party, this time with sprinklers, sand shovels, and mud in a neighborhood front yard. All boys, all messy fun. They climbed trees, made chalk drawings on the driveway (ok, that was more the dads), and got really really dirty. Even after rinsing off in the tub, Greyson came home caked in grime. It was quite a day.

Sunday brought a visit from another new friend. Fabiana, who lived two-doors down, has returned from living in Miami for a year. She just turned two and looks like she can give Greyson a run for his money. Sunday morning she brought her parents over for a visit when she saw us working in the front yard. Not satisfied with Greyson's balls and trucks, she went home and brought back her Madeleine doll and suitcase full of clothes. Grey played along and tried on little doll hats and accessories. It was a nice change after our messy day Saturday. I hope these two can find some gender neutral toys and games to play together because it's lovely having another 2 year old so close!