Making New Neighborhood Friends

 

 

"The only way to have a friend is to be one." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

   We're out front a lot, doing all the things that go with it. The kids play, ride, dig, and so on, while I work on stuff in the garage. It's really only been in the last two or so years, as the previous two places we lived have been at the bottom of a hill the made it feel like we lived along the Indy 500. Thus we've been very grateful to not only have a wonderful street that we live on now, but we also have a lot of children in the neighborhood that come out to play also.
   So the story goes that I'm in the garage doing stuff, ...manly stuff, like hammering and cutting wood, etc. I hear the typical yelling and screaming that accompanies child play, and think nothing of it. Then my ear picks up what sounds like our little group shouting to another. I wander out and my 'Lil Miss is shouting across the street to no one, "You with the swing set! Hello!!!" I smile and dismiss it, as I've heard children playing in that backyard before. We've even waved at them when they're up in the clubhouse looking over the fence. After going about my "manly" garage business, my interest in the result the shouting makes me wander back out. I see what is in the above photo taking place.
   At first I want to bark, like an old man, to get down. Then I remember what The Wife has reminded me lately. That I was young once too, and used to climb WAY more than a simple fence and small tree (that's the confession post that will never be written). It was adorable to see our little crew meeting a new one. They said hi, made introductions, and then the new friends were up the tree and back over the fence. I then encouraged my 'Lil Miss to come on down so there were no injuries. She had a smile and skip to her step as she and her brother and friend ran off. You could see the excitement of a new friend and that fact that they were boys that were,...well...nice.
   It took me back to my childhood, when making friends was easy. There was less about specific interest and even less opinions that were already formed. There was just the desire to play, have fun, and dream up the next adventure. I think that's half the reason we get out as much as we can. The playing with and making of new friends. I'm seeing my little ones learning the essentials of social life. They're learning to take turns, share, get up after falling down, and so on. They're recently taken up hunting for caterpillars and butterflies in the past week or so. It's fun to watch and fun to remember. Do you have any fun neighborhood stories?

J.

Evenings In The Front Yard With My Kids

“...dusk is the time when men whisper of matters about which
they remain silent in the full light of the sun.” ― Simon Raven

   There's something about the fading light of the day that captivates me. I get locked into sunsets for their changing color. I love the hues that the waining light casts on my neighborhood. I enjoy the lights that flicker on my 'Lil Miss's scooter as she rides by. Until the last of the light has gone, and it is simply too dark for the children to be safe, I hang on to each ray until the end. 

   Sure, I'm a sucker for it. Blame it on the art degree. Or blame it on the fact that it's just that gorgeous. I feel more inspired at that time, more thoughtful and contemplative. Include a short walk in that, and were talking about idea time. My children play until the street lights turn on. A lot of us did that growing up with little to no supervision. Though we approach things a bit differently these days, I feel grateful that I get to hear my children yell, "Awe, dad!!! The street light's not on yet!" 

   I'm happy they're getting exercise, playing with neighborhood kids, learning to ride bikes and scooters. Don't get me wrong, they can fling an angry bird just as good as the next kid. We have, however, tried to find the balance. If I can find some peace in that fading light as well,...then bonus. 

J. 

Neighborhood Activities For Kids

It is never too late to have a happy childhood. ~ Tom Robbins

 

   We were lucky to have some recent additions to the neighborhood. Three girls living within three doors of our place makes for some fun evenings in our cul-de-sac. The big questions is what kind of activities are there for our children to keep them engaged and entertained, just in case the imagination runs out for the day? I read a quote that mentioned playing outside with our children is a lost art. I spent most of my childhood outside, though my father wasn't really there to participate. I'm just a big kid these days, so it's easy for me. I'm on my bike, with my 'Lil Man riding on the bar in front of me, chasing the girls on their bikes around our quiet street. When they're not playing bunnies, princesses, or just chatting, we've offered some alternatives.

   I've always had boxes on hand. Cardboard tunnels are ALWAYS a hit, and are disposable or re-usable afterward. Sidewalk chalk is also a neighborhood favorite. The kids practice their names, pictures, and quite often create mini roads of their own to travel on their bikes and scooters. We also keep a supply of Otter Pops, fruit snacks and such on hand for the kids to always have something to slow down and socialize while eating something fun or healthy, depending on the day.

   Finding neighborhood activities can depend on location, traffic, number of kids, etc. Before our new friend additions, I was out front with the children regardless, making it fun. I challenge us all to try harder, for they will demand you to leave them alone with their electronics and cell phones soon enough.

 

J.