Playdough fun!

To really appreciate the above pictures, you need to know a few facts:

1. I am not a fan of playdough. The smell. The texture. The mess. Nope, just not a fan.

2. Despite fact #1, I do think it's a great thing for children to play with for a myriad of reasons.

3. I occasionally get over my disdain and whip up a batch for the kiddos to enjoy.

Okay, so obviously, I'm letting the kids play with playdough...woo hoo for me, right?

Not exactly the point of my posting the pictures.

See, there is something bigger to share.

Something huge.

monumental even.

A milestone of epic proportions.

Look at the pictures again. Do you see?

No?

Let me elaborate.

Aaron is playing with playdough!

This is a big deal people. Big.Deal.

Aaron has always hated playdough. H.A.T.E.D. it in the most fiercest sense of the word. Once, around age two, I tried to "help" him have some fun with playdough and it resulted in a horrific meltdown in which he tossed it on the floor and washed his hands several times to decontaminate them (after having a tantrum).

In fact, just a few months ago, he announced to a Sunday school teacher "I do NOT touch playdough" and he was perfectly content to keep his hands in his pockets and observe while other children played for quite some time with the awful stuff.

Look at the pictures again. These are not pictures of a boy hating playdough.

So, what happened?

I'm not sure exactly.

Last week, Rocklin had an appointment, we left the other children with the H. family. Mrs. H wasn't aware of Aaron's playdough aversion. She brought it out, I think at first he observed, but eventually he gave it a try. Turns out he rather enjoyed it. So much that he was thrilled when Mrs. H gave him a baggie full of green playdough to bring home. It has now become one of his most favorite activities.

I may not be exactly sure what finally helped propel him over this obstacle, but I am thrilled. So thrilled in fact, that I might even be willing to bring out the playdough more than a few times a year!

Of course, the biggest part of this isn't really about playdough. Really, the significance lies in the fact that he was willing to try something he thought he loathed. That he stepped out of his comfort zone, tried something new and discovered he loved it. That is what's worth celebrating!