King of the Playground

With Noey as active as he is these days, one of my favourite things to do (when weather permits) is to take him to the playground downstairs and turn him loose to crawl around and explore the play structure.

My father, the classic "don't touch this/that/the other cos it's dirty"-type parent might not approve but I'm a firm believer in ourdoor play and I think a little dirt never hurt anyone. I do steer him away from the soil and bird droppings and the bits that look dodgy, but otherwise I give him free rein to roam around. Likewise the climbing structure, though I do get in there with him to make sure he doesn't fall off.

Noey ponders his next move at Tic-Tac-Toe

Ah hah! Is that a stick I spy?

It is! And now it's mine!

Check out my lightning fast swatting moves! Take that, fly!

There are frequently other children at the playground too and my noisy little fella is always trying to get their attention, though of course, they have no idea what he's going on about. He really likes other kids, this one.

Noey: Mmmmm! Wawawawa!"
Translation: "Hey you! Let's play!"

"Hmmm, she's not interested. How about you Papa?"

"Guess I should just explore on my own..."

Of course I have to watch him like a hawk to make sure he doesn't put random gunk in his mouth or lick his dirty fingers. And after we're done, I just pop him back upstairs and give his hands and legs a good soap down, and he's good till his evening bath.

Hmmm, maybe he will fulfill his Papa's ambition for him to be King of the Playground in time to come after all!