Playing
The ladies have been playing on the boat, but it’s funny to watch how the different space has changed their needs. They tend to focus on one toy at a time. One task- coloring, swaddling the babies, jumping off the step onto the cabin sole, again and again. The stuffed things have been a hit, as they fit in well in the forepeak, which is one giant bed. The toy trucks and trains haven’t seen much use. The colored pencils are used six times a day (we’ve banned markers on the boat, with our nice new upholstery). They have been into the play food, and dress-up occasionally. I have a wishlist for Roo’s birthday and everyday occasions, which I’m compiling for me, but also for family and friends who wonder what kids on a boat might like. We have to avoid sharp edges or points, things with tiny parts, toys that can become weapons (our beloved dragon got shelved for the reason!). I’m filing this away for June 27th. Not long from now- frighteningly enough!
-More playsilks (we have blue and green), as they use them all the time, for capes, flags, blankets, burkhas.
-Ferby colored pencils. They are the best and John even found a wicked cool sharpener for them. Sophie uses them all day long. I need to get a couple of sketchbooks so cleanup is easier and they have an ongoing forum for the scribbling.
-Lyra crayons. Rosy uses these. Basically any writing device that can leave marks on its own when dropped onto a cushion has no business near Rosy.
-Cool workbooks and coloring books. Sophie’s ready for the cool Taro Gomi editions.
-Doll diapers. That fit Blabla dolls. Rosy loves to reenact our bedtime routines, complete with “nighttime diapers.”
-Books books books, especially paperbacks we can squirrel away.
-iTunes credits. Books on tape, TV shows, new music. We are addicted to iTunes. All of us.
-Stationary. My parents sent Sophie some stamps a few weeks ago and you’d have thought she’d received gold coins. This kid loves mail.
In other news, John just raised the mainsail. First time in who knows how many years. Talk about liberating . . .
Your photos are always so sweet! We have similar things on our ongoing list. (Zach is a Junebaby too!) We keep track on thethingsiwant.com — obnoxious name but useful site. You can also order blank silks from Dharma trading and have a tie dye party. We do this once a year with friends and tie dye silks, clothes, and anything that sits still long enough.
Thanks for the tip, CIndy! I love the idea of tiedying, We need to get on that stick, as we need T-shirts too! Zach keeps us inspired with his colors.