What I did on my summer vacation

We Zanklins had a pretty fun and exciting summer. We had several camping trips (let's see if I can remember them all: Slide Ranch, Olema w/ the preschool, Echo Lake, Big Basin Redwoods, Glacier...), fun visitors (Nona, Stacy Jesse & Charlie, Nana & Pa, & Nona), and fun around town (beaches, zoos, animals, rides, oh my!). But, apparently, one of the most memorable things for Molly was just playing in the living room.

Here's the full story: While Nona was here (and I was sick, again) she took Molly over to Oscars to play with Nate & Oscar. Nate was excited to share stories about his pirate cruise in Cape Cod. Oscar was excited to share stories of his trip to Australia and Fiji. When asked what she did this summer, Molly replied: "I played in the living room!".

I take that as a reminder that usually the best things for kids are the simplest things. And there seems to be some research to back it up. My friends over at the Greater Good "Half Full" blog (http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/tools.html) have a few posts on this topic, including this one about Play and Academic Success (hint: more free play is good). While you're there, check out the posts about praise and gratitude. Oh, heck. All the information they dig up is good.