Bigger kids at Tons of Fun

When we first started going to Tons of Fun in Limerick to play, the kids were some of the younger  toddlers in attendance. They spent most of their time playing in the age 0-3 areas and occasionally ventured in the area for age 2-5.  This fall, when we returned, they started going more and more to the big kid areas and climbing into and on the structures that reached all the way to the ceiling. They also started playing more in a group. Now since we've been back from our Christmas vacation, the kids are also, whether in a group or individually, not just playing with equipment, but making up games pretty much all the time, too. 

It is amazing to watch them grow up! Of course, this age we've entered is also full of stubbornness, whining, and many tantrums. I'm simply amazed by the way the kids can completely lose their minds and melt down over the smallest things (not enough butter on their toast or too much butter on their toast or their coat being unzipped.) Luckily, they are also easily distracted when we are away from home.

Speaking of big kids, last Thursday we had our developmental health check with the public health nurse.The kids all did fantastic. She had them draw circles and lines. She had them name objects, animals, and colors. And she asked them to count blocks. All 3 of them were polite, well-behaved, and happy to perform for her. In other words, NOTHING like they act at home. LOL. We talked about Walter’s speech, Gordon’s eating, and Adele’s eye. I think she mostly wanted to make sure we’d had Adele’s eye looked at by a doctor. She has no concerns about Walter’s speech at this point. She says many of his words are clear, though she agrees many are also garbled. But at this point, they are looking for 5-6 word sentences, assuming mis-pronunciations, and still focusing on communication/comprehension, which he has.  We also talked at length about Gordon’s diet, which didn’t concern her because he is obviously healthy, happy, and when she asked me what foods he did eat, she was good with the fact the things he eats are healthy.  What she said was, ‘he might not be eating much variety, but whatever he does it is causing him to flourish.’

Walter - 38.8 inches, 32.4 lbs
Gordon - 40 inches, 36.8 lbs
Adele - 39.2 inches, 31.1 lbs 

Making cards for Daddy.  When he got them, Jeff noted Walt's was minimalist compared to the other two. That's because Walter only lasted a couple minutes at the craft table before moving onto other things. 

Gordon spent a long time on his card, then sat at the table and played with playdoh for a long time afterwards.

I think he may have been dancing as well as jumping. Whatever it is, he is awesome.

They did this many times in a row. One of many games they made up today.

Playing ball as a *team*. They have skills!