New Friends Around the Corner

We have made an auspicious discovery- a couple of very nice kids we often see at the park, and who was on Andy's soccer team, live around the corner. We haven't known this before because the kids are homeschooled, so we didn't see them at the bus stop or at school activities; we knew they lived in town, but not so close.

We discovered this yesterday when the boy (who is about Andy's age), was coming up the street. Andy ran to say hello, and M announced, "T (his sister) is roaming free!" We agreed to help look for her, as we know the panic of not knowing where your child is. The result was I had Andy going one direction, Joey going the other, and only one of me. In the end, we all ended up at M's house, and T was found safely fast asleep on a couch, missed because she was next to a pile of folded afghans.

Andy is ecstatic. So is Joey, for these kids actively try to play with him, and they like to hug. Also, there is a baby, To, and Joey has been showing him things and "taking care of him."

We had another playdate today, It was supposed to be here. It was like a tornado was raging in the house. It was fabulous, if breathtaking. But I learned a lot.

For one, if I forget to lock the front door, trouble ensues. These kids don't quite understand, and run freely in and out of doors, and have no clue why that might be a problem. As Joey got tired and excited, he got touchy- and bolted. They figured out he was running and I was trying to catch him, and handled that pretty well. After all, To likes to run, too.

Two, Joey bolted straight for M and T's house. I gave them our phone info in case it happens again. They were very kind, and the playdate shifted to their house. T's room is all in orange, and Joey liked that a lot. Its also someplace new to explore, which can be very exciting.

New friends are always a delight, and I hope we get to play together alot. The mom is awesome, and has lots of interesting ideas about children and learning and playing; I may not agree with everything, but it is always interesting to hear a new perspective. I am thinking we might have a good party in the making, as there are several other kids on the street we know from school and whatnot now. Besides, anybody that shows this much patience and acceptance of Joey has turned out to be totally wonderful. I'll keep you posted!