Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Lessons at the park

Our city has some awesome parks.  We try to take in new ones all the time.  We happened upon one that was a great set up for the girls with high climbing structures but instead of plastic walls it had metal bars so the girls could easily walk up the stairs.  It is also nestled along a creek for big brother to go fishing so it was a total score!


We were the only ones at the park for quite a while then a family of 2 girls (8 and 6 years) and a 4 year old boy came and played.  This family was enjoying going down the slide together like a train and the girls thought that was cool.  Dariya even jumped in and these sweet kids included her in the train like she was a member of the family.

Then the kids decided to play "ice cream shop" underneath the play structure out of one of the little house windows.  They included Dariya and Alayna right away and started asking them what kind of ice cream and toppings they would like.  I stood back for a second to see what would transpire and to my joy the girls not only interacted but, interacted well.

Dariya was saying and signing strawberry for which kind of ice cream she would like and then signing chips for chocolate chips on top.  Alayna actually SPOKE and made sentences to these complete strangers.  She was saying things like, "I want strawberry ice cream please" and "yes more chocolate chips please".

I was overjoyed.  Just watching the girls be able to fully be included and interact with other kids and be able to be understood was a snapshot of beauty to this mom.

Just a simple day at the park turned out to be so much more, a social and speech lesson all wrapped into one without me having to get involved at all.

7 comments:

Emily said...

You go girls!!

Katrina said...

So glad they included the girls. What a blessing for your momma's heart.

Cammie Heflin said...

LOVE :) I always get the "Why doesn't she talk?" about Addy lol. She does talk but so much more at home than in public! Great job girls!

rosedel said...

I am impressed that the girls went right along with the imaginative play. I wonder if the other parents realized what great kids they were raising. Acceptance is a wonderful thing.

Heather said...

Missing in action me. Stopping by the give out some loving tonight to all of you that have been carrying me and being patient while I find my way.

the kids look amazing as always. The video incredible and my favorite as of late ... the naked piano playing. Awesome.

MJStump said...

What a beautiful post to read! I also get so nervous and worry how Kylie will handle things or if kids will include her and it is such a beautiful moment to witness as a momma!

So glad you got to see something so sweet, and watch those moments of your girls growing up :)

Amanda said...

I have read your blog for a while but don't think I have ever commented. I have a 2 year old daughter with down syndrome and am so inspired by your journey to bring home Dariya. What an encouraging story! It brought a big smile to my face and tears to my eyes! Thanks for sharing!