Fun, Games, and Memories

Zane will often come to Larry or I and ask us to play with him. We usually oblige, and thus we both have put puzzles together, played with trains, and played with Lincoln Logs. We each have our way of play that we share with Zane. I think that it is important for there to be special memories of each parent, and play is the way that kids acquire those special memories.

My personal favorite game to play with Zane is "I'm Gonna Get You". In this game I put my hands up like claws and say "I'm gonna get you!". (Yes, this is a variation of the Tickle Monster game I mentioned in an earlier post)

If I catch Zane I get to tickle him.

Zane shrieks, and runs off, laughing.

I "hide".

Zane gets curious, and comes to look for me.

"RARRRRGGHH!" I jump out from behind whatever I am hiding behind.

Zane shrieks, and runs off, laughing.

Rinse and repeat.

Every now and then, Zane will try to turn the tables on me. He will run at me with his hands up, doing his imitation of a growl. I then make a big deal out of acting scared and running away. Zane's laughter fills the house. Which is the whole point.

When Zane plays with Daddy, he will try to explain to Larry what he needs to do to play the game.

"Daddy, you go hide in the doorway so I can see you," I overheard Zane telling his father the other day. After attempting to play the game "like Mama", and after failing to meet Zane's expectations, Larry wisely offered to play on the Xbox with Zane. They played some Lego Batman and Robin game for a good 20 minutes. It was nice to hear Larry talk to Zane about how to move his character, and it was nice to hear Zane asking questions about what to do.

It was a great Father-Son moment. Even for me.