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KIDS OF MAINE - 2 |
A few more pics of the dreamland of Maine, populated
by little munchkins who have incredible unique personalities, their parents,
their pets, their friends, the woodland creatures, and nature at its best.
It was a pleasure to be a part of that place for a short time – I hope
these pics at least give you a taste of my experience.
A test for the reader: what season and holiday does
this illustrate? The munchkins: Scarlet, Clover, Poppy and
three other punkins.
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“Did you pee in mama’s shoe?” |
If you can read, you have a job. |
Courtney told me what they were discussing.
It’s really fun to see the kids interact. One minute
they were sharing and happy as clams and the next minute they were beating each
other with noodles.
Poppy didn’t want to get too close to the old man,
but she would sneak in to listen. They didn’t quite
understand why I needed those things on my face.
Clover learned the swing mechanics quickly to go
“high like Poppy” with or without clothes, indoors or out. It was really
difficult to keep clothing on the kids regardless of the temperature.
In the evening, during music time, Scarlet sought
the princess dress and went into her dance routine. It was
obvious to me that she really feels the music.
With certain exceptions the concept of ownership
doesn’t seem to be strong among the kids. Toys, clothing,
food, all seem to be fair game most of the time. That
princess dress for example, went from twin to twin. A few of
Poppy’s things were reserved to her – the clothing of course was too big for the
twins and some of the toys were too advanced – e.g. spirograph.
Just before my visit, this swing set was installed
to the joy of everyone. Can’t wait to see the carousel,
Ferris wheel, and bumper cars that are sure to follow.
Shhh – the word “horse” is in the wind.
Goats may be the next step.
It is several weeks since I returned from Maine.
Today I saw a pic with snow piled up and packed under the climbing
platform to the left of this swing set to form the beginning of a long toboggan
slide!
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The ladies leave their dressing rooms … |
… and perform |
The princess dress circulates; Clover likes her
pixie tails; Scarlet’s hair is a bit too short yet.
Notice the blue floor mat houses and the red tunnel
toy discussed later.
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A pleasant walk in the woods |
Everyone helps with chores |
Had to go to the YMCA playground for a teeter-totter
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Poppy joined the big girls for gym |
Pono helps the rhythmic instructor |
AFTERWORD
Picture a single great room about 40’ x 50’ with a
kitchen in one corner, a huge stairway in the center, bookcases across one
entire wall, and windows on the other three. Now imagine a
five year old girl hosting a birthday party with about five friends, their
parents, their siblings and of course the twins, Courtney, JR, Pono, Patty, and
the home dog. This was the event marking Poppy’s 5th
birthday.
The main organized activity was a pair of tables
dedicated to making Christmas wreaths. Courtney had prepared
straw circles as the basis of the wreaths and she cut smallish pine boughs and
gathered cranberries for natural color. She also made red
ribbons to finish them off.
Funny thing was, the wreath making attracted mostly
the mothers with “help” by the daughters. Scarlet and I made
one later in the day. When it was finished, Scarlet picked
off all the cranberries, chewed them up, and spit out the pieces.
As you can imagine, a home with a 5 yo and twin 2
yo’s has a bunch of toys and they were all available. Toys to
pull, push, ride on or hug, toys to challenge the intellect, puzzles, books,
etc. A cloth “tunnel” about 8’ long and maybe 20” diameter
was very popular with one or two kids inside and a bigger kid pulling it round
and round the big stairway. The stairway itself sports two
swings and they were occupied regularly. Other attractions were floor pads used
for exercise, but also for the construction of houses, jails, castles, fences,
and whatever else kids imaginations conjured. Courtney and
Pierce set up a restaurant with the pads around the legs of the pizza table.
Pizza was made available and consumed as the spirit
moved people. The adults circulated and tried to stay out of
the way. The kids pretty much did what they chose.
The only break in the chaos was for Happy Birthday Poppy and the cake.
Poppy then opened presents while the chaos resumed around her.
As they say, “A good time was had by all!”
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