Now that the weather is thinking about warming up, we have been spending more and more time in our backyard.  If you recall, we spent a lot of time (and money) redoing it last year since we figured it would be easier to dine in and entertain at our house now that we have a little one.  We have a few more changes we want to make back there this spring before we call it done (and post pictures) but we have been using it A LOT and enjoying the heck out of it.

Last weekend we had our friends Becca, Ryan and their daughter Gracyn over for dinner.  Gracyn and Belén are both in the “ones” class at daycare so they know each other and our “friends,” but at this age, they don’t really play with each other so much as around one another.  After we were finished eating dinner Belén and Gracyn started “playing” which consisted of some sort of activity where one would play with a toy that would then in turn make the other one want to play with that toy and then the adults stepping in encouraging them to share with each other.  After getting tired of the one year-old drama, we directed them towards an activity they could both partake in and enjoy.

Erin, Andy’s sister, had their grandparent’s Radio Flyer wagon that they had used when they were kids refinished for Andy’s birthday.  It was such a thoughtful gift (as all gifts from Erin are) and it served as the prop which created the first peaceful activity the girls could enjoy together.

Very serious business…

After the wagon, they found another activity they both enjoyed…

Picking up landscaping rocks and putting them on the cement.  Notice the rocks in Gracyn’s hands and the huge smile on her face.

Hey, look what I have, aren’t these cool?  Ya…me too!  What fun toys!

Belén liked the rocks equally as much as Gracyn.

Unfortunately, the parents didn’t like this form of entertainment as much as the nice, peaceful, idyllic wagon.

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