Today we went to the beach with a friend who has two girls the same age as my two girls. The two five-year olds played together the entire time: making a sand castle, swimming and wave-jumping, and concocting 'soup.' The two three-year olds were aware of each other's presence, but mostly played alone or followed the big girls. They did spend a few moments digging in the sand together, and as we walked to our cars at the end of the morning, they each carried one end of the beach umbrella — an idea they had all own their own. They even discussed their cooperation in a very grown-up fashion. It was adorable.
What struck me later was how content the little ones were to play alone, sticking close to mom, while the big girls were thrilled to have each other to be with. I know it's the natural course of things, but it reminded me how soon my little mini-me will be heading off to preschool, making her own friends and having her own adventures that I won't be a part of. I'm not quite ready for that yet, but I know I have to get there.
Travelingjenny 
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