Playing with Braden

This morning we had a play date with Braden. Braden and Lilly met at St. Andrew's last year. He is a very smart and quiet little boy. He is not physical at all. He prefers to quietly study the U.S. Presidents or read (seriously at 2.5 he CAN read). I'm not sure what the attraction is for them but they are very nice people and invite us over frequently. However, Amanda (the mom) spends a lot of time during the play date disciplining Lilly and reminding her of their house rules. Jumping on the couch and standing on the bar stools are out of the question!

Braden just had a baby brother named Bennett. Lilly loves babies. She likes to touch, hold, feed, rub, kiss, and play with babies. I warned Amanda of this before we came. Amanda informed me that there would be none of the above. I tried to prep Lilly. She did fairly well with the baby rules but she really wanted to push Bennett's swing ("Yook how high Mommy!") which was also not permitted. Here is Amanda, Braden, and baby Bennett...

Lilly thought she'd join the picture so Braden hid. He's sort of afraid of her.

Lilly did have a great time and didn't want to go home. They picked raspberries in the backyard, played outside, read books, and put together puzzles. She cried when we left. But she was happy to have her Olive Garden bread sticks (left over) for lunch.


She's finally getting back on track with her sleep since our Florida trip. Last night she slept well. Tonight we were invited to a church dessert party at a couple's home to welcome our new minister and family. We will go for a short time before Lilly's bedtime. I will have to get home to see the opening ceremonies for the Olympics! I'm so excited to watch them and Lilly is also excited. She said she's most excited about swimming and gymnastics. Hopefully she won't get any funny ideas from the gymnasts...