Play group grows up

The kids enjoy playing together on the beach.

We have been so fortunate to be a part of a wonderful play group which has grown from carrying our first-born kids around in their car seats to planning field trips in order to occupy our energetic bunch. On Tuesday, we headed up to Laurel Lake for a day of fun in the sun. The last hoorah of summer. All of the kids were great at the lake. They "swam," dug, ran, explored, caught, imagined, splashed, and played. Besides occasionally reminding the kids that they had wandered a bit too far down the shore, all us mom got to sit back, watch them, and chat with each other. What a rarity and a joy! Then today's adventure led us to Hollabaugh Brothers, Inc. farm for a day of apple picking. (Thanks, Kim, for organizing!) It was another great day for all. The kids were thoroughly entertained by the tractor ride, numerous trees, and of course, getting to pick their own apples - definitely the highlight of the day. But for me, and I am sure I can speak for all of the moms, one of the best parts of the day was realizing how grown up the kids are now. At the beginning of the tour, our guide, who happened to be the granddaughter of one of the founding brothers, sat the kids down and talked to them about bees and the farm. Now, even though we all love each and every kid in the group, we have our share of squabbles! But today, they all sat on their designated mats, listened and participated. I was truly impressed and a bit shocked by their sincere interest and good behavior. Granted the younger kids had to wander a little bit, but overall they were little angels. Our little angels who have grown up so fast right before our very eyes. One year ago there is no way they all would have sat and listened to someone else talk about pollination, but now that they are older, they were intrigued. I can't believe Ethan, along with a couple of the other kids in the group, will be heading off to kindergarten next year. It is bittersweet. I love our play group.

Listening attentively - all grown up.