Ship Ahoy!

Going to the Providence Children’s Museum wasn’t in the cards today, but that’s what my daughter really wanted to do. When she woke up from her nap, she was hopeful that I’d reconsidered and figured out a way to cram a trip in between tidying up and dinner preparations. I completely understood how disappointing a “no” would sound to an almost four year old, so I tried not to say it at all…

Instead, I asked her what she wanted to do there, which exhibit was her favorite. This time, she said that the ship was her favorite. “Well that’s great,” I said, “because even though we can’t make it to the museum today, we can sail away on a ship—right here in the living room!” I proceeded to dash around the house, grabbing a broom and playsilks to make a sail, and set up a cabin under a table with blankets and pillows. Instant magic! Instant happiness! No need for disappointment.

My two girls sailed away for the next hour while I made dinner, occasionally coming ashore for supplies. And when I found myself standing on the couch, spotting pirates on the horizon, I knew I’d sailed away, too and I smiled….this is living.

If you have little pirates, too, check out the Pirate Hat in the Autumn edition of Rhythm of the Home.  I may have to try making a couple of these before we set sail again!