Toys

It is no secret that I really don't like the TV. In fact I can probably count on one hand the number of time the kids have sat in front the television for any length of time in their entire lives. I just don't like what it does to them when they stare at the blue tube. Vacant eyes, slack mouths, drool. It's not pretty.
I will tell you what I do like. I like, no love, toys. I love toys that have to be truly played with to be fun. Legos come to mind and are a huge favorite around here. We have collected about five sets over the years. (Craigslist baby. You don't have spend a fortune on them.) We love our puzzles too. We play with then endlessly. The big floor puzzles are the best.
Mark has a new obsession. He loves trains. We live not far from a train track. And every day we hear the train rumble through. We hear the whistle when it gets to the center of town. For me it has become something that I really don't notice any more. It's there but I don't really hear it. This is not the case with Mark. He listens for it. And when he hears, he announces it for the world to hear. LOUD!
So we knew we wanted to get him a train set for Christmas this year. I toyed with the idea of a remote control one. But I knew he would have more fun with a simpler version.
Oh how I love being right. He plays with this thing for hours.Taking it apart and putting it back together. Running the train back and forth over the track. He loves it. (You don't know how glad I am that I cut that kids nails yesterday.) I love the chunky pieces. Perfect for little hands.
He hasn't quite mastered the circle yet.

Godzilla Baby occasionally makes an appearance. But we can deal with it. She's cute.


Tomorrow, Anna's favorite toy this year. I know you are pins and needles.