One thing we absolutely must do each summer is hike to Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon. We love that it is a short hike with a fun pool to play in at the end. This time our good friends the Claytons invited us to tag along with them. And we were happy to do so.
We are kind of destined to be best friends with the Claytons. Know why?
Because of this. (Hannah and Anna, 7 years old.)
And this. (Megan and Kate, 5 years old.)
That totally speaks to me. Children are engaged, primarily, in the business of play. They play dolls, they play Legos, they play dress-ups. Play is how they learn about and interpret the world. Play is a reflection of who they are and what they experience. (So, yes, when you overhear your child telling her teddy bear that he is going to have a "consequence" you only have yourself to blame.) Play is hardly inconsequential. Rather, play is crucial, and especially between siblings. They do not make mudpies (or block towers or spa-la-la days or Kool-Aid stands) for nothing, they make it for everything. For every happy moment those children have together is further cementing a strong relationship that they will take with them into the future, so that when hard times come and they feel alone and afraid, they KNOW they can count on their sisters (or brothers, whatever...). That a bond has been formed by their hours of joy together that will not be severed by distance, time, or "borrowing" a shirt from another's closet during those teenage years. That is why they play.
Ahem. Off my soapbox. Thanks, Claytons! Love Bridal Veil, love you!
2 comments:
Beautifully said Laurie and just what I needed to be reminded of!
I agree, we were destined to be friends, brought together by our sweet 3 year old daughters! I loved your insight into play, it is so true. My siblings and I have so many fond memories of our play time growing up and it has cemented our relationships! We love you guys!!
Post a Comment