I took these shots in April when I visited Berlin. Playgrounds have permanent ping pong tables installed. Just bring paddle and balls. 
Tag: play
Tin Soldiers in a Square Tin
No Snow Needed
A brisk sunny March Sunday afternoon in the backyard. James was going work on converting the shed into a gardening greenhouse. The kids had fun playing together. Michael pulled the little blue sled with a delighted Charlie- back and forth, back and forth across the seeded lawn. 
Maura climbed around and swung upside down on Charlie’s climbing apparatus. She tried pulling Charlie but too heavy.
Pots and Pan Lids
Pots and pan lids. Age old play toy for babies and toddlers. Charlie got into the drawer of lids, paused from the task and studied his reflection.
Charlie and the Jack-in-the-Box
Jen H. Challenges bloggers to tell a story visually. Here’s a seven photo series telling the story of Charlie learning to manage the springy Curious George monkey- in-the-box. My favorite the last picture. I wonder what he was saying to the monkey. 
Hopscotch
Hopscotch. Laura bought sidewalk chalk and I tried to remember how to draw out the squares. Hopping on one foot was tricky for Charlie. The rock Maura chose to throw into a square rarely stayed in the box on one turn, rolling out into unmarked territory. I remember some hopscotch boards painted on asphalt in elementary school but can’t remember seeing kids using them when I had lunch duty years ago. Four square, yes. Hopscotch , no. Do kids play Hopscotch in 2018?
Pouring Tea for Her Sister
Found in the April 2010 Archives. Columbus, Ohio.
Anna pouring a cup of “tea” for her younger sister Maura.
Chex Mix Making
A few alterations to the original recipe but Wednesday night Laura guided Charlie and Maura in the holiday tradition of making Chex Mix. One site says “it’s been a party staple for 50 years”. I can tell you the original recipe was not on the boxes we had this year. Boo.
Baked at 250 F for an hour stirring every 15 minutes. What could be bad about it with all that melted butter and savory salt? Hmmmm
After the Mix making the two cousins played in Charlie’s new train tent. Crawling between the red and blue and back again. Then the added collapsible tunnel component.
A fun night.
Charlie said ” I love this game”
Puppets Need a Human
Puppets need a human (or two) to come to life. One to operate and even better with one to appreciate the effort of the puppeteer.
This puppet looks like a giftwrapped present. Surprise! It’s a furry puppy. Like a manual Jack-in-the-box without the organ grinder music. This particular puppet was Michael’s (12) and he’s passed it on to cousin Charlie (2 1/2).
Laura surprised Charlie.
Then Charlie gave the puppy a kiss. 
Figuring out how it works 
The Little Witch House
Do you want to Peek Inside?
