Fun With Friends

Violet and I have "played hostess" to a couple of visiting friends over the past weeks.

First, the whole family had an IHOP breakfast and backyard hangout with Ava & Emma (and their parents of course!). It was fun to watch her interact with other kids for the first time since coming to the US. She and Emma were pretty wary of each other, but she and Ava clicked immediately (and every time since that first play date).

Then, Tasha dropped by with her sweet girls to play for a bit and it was fun to watch Violet watch them. She watched their every move and imitated what they did - especially Bree. She's definitely an aggressive player - stubborn too. She will repeated take something away from another child (Bree) even after being told not to... and not because she wants the toy - because she wants to watch the other child (Bree) react. Poor Bree.

Most recently, Carey Bailey came over for breakfast with beautiful little Avery. We busted out the silk flowers and glue gun and indulged our obsession with making flower pieces for the girls' headbands. It's ridiculously fun and easy. And the girls look adorable in our finished masterpieces!

The time I took Violet to the large public park was a bit much for her... I think she was just overwhelmed in general. She watched the older girls (5 years old-ish) play, and every time one would stop to talk to her or tell me she was cute, Violet would reach and lean towards them almost in a caregiver fashion. It was cute, but also felt like misplaced attachment.

For now, we'll steer clear of large public areas and keep our play dates to a small headcount!

Update... as of May 16th, we've seen even more friends, but have spent most play dates with the Garland girls. A few days ago, Violet and Jazzy finally met! Violet is doing very well in social settings, and is not immediately reaching for other adults. She is loving watching other kids and interacting with them!