Gym-Dandy!

I remember when Kelly started Preschool back in the fall of 1980, all parents

had to attend a number of educational classes about learning, parenting, etc. One thing we were told has always stuck in my mind. Mrs. Erne, one of the teachers, talked about how play was so important to kids. Not just fun, but through their fun they were actually learning. To quote her, "kid's play is their work." So today, when I went to Play-a-Lot with Reese and Ryan, and saw this sign, I had to take a picture!

Play-a-Lot is a kid's heaven. It is a large area inside "Pinheads," a new Bowling Alley/Game Arcade/Playarea very close to Kristy's house. Reese and Ryan were instantly drawn to the large MacDonald-like playground and spent their bulk of the time on that. Ryan went all the way up to the top level and went down the enclosed, twisty slide. Reese was too scared of the slide and said that maybe when she was 10 she would try it. Ryan has no fear and went down so many times we couldn't keep track!

Ryan - running from one thing to another!

Reese had a great time, too. She loved the climbing, but there were also other play areas - a corner with a kid's kitchen and play food, tables with games, and a small rock climbing wall. Reese and Ryan both tried that and guess who liked it best??? Ryan!

Reese - stopping just long enough for a quick picture!

Earlier in the day, I had gone with Grace and Clare to see Grace at her gym class. Kelly and Keith had enrolled her in a children's fitness facility called "My Gym." It is another toddler's heaven! There are so many different climbing gyms and two instructors who lead the kids in different songs and activities. Grace seems to love every minute, although she likes to "do her own thing." She definitely has a mind of her own! The most important thing is that she loves the gym and has a great time while she is there. I'm sure as she gets a little older she will start listening. Right now she wants to do what she wants to do!!! As Kelly said, it has to be her idea.

I know it is a little stressful for her Mom and Dad when she won't do what the instructors want her to do. I think it's great she has a mind of her own...then again, I don't have to live with her 24/7!!! We love you, Gracie Girl!

Grace on one of the climbing gyms with Mommy

One of Grace's favorite things was the ball pit! This was at the end of the class and I think she was getting a little tired by then!

Who could forget our darling Baby Clare? I think she enjoyed getting out, too.

It won't be long before she is running around and climbing and wanting to join her big sister on the play gyms!

I can't vouch for the grandkiddies, but Grandpa and I were certainly worn out after our day

with them at the gym!