Blue Blanket + Imagination = ....

We have a big, fuzzy blue blanket, made of tied off fleece, solid blue on one side and blue with snowflakes on the other. Grandma C was kind enough to make this for us, several years back, and it has become an essential part of the kids' imaginitive play. Most often, the blue side becomes water or sky; the reverse becomes snow or a frozen lake.

This week, the blanket has been out almost every day, alternating between being "The Sea" and being "The Pond." Here it is in full pond mode -- the pillows are lily pads for Mickey Doodle (BJ's purple frog). Note the small fish placed strategically as frog food.

To date, these elaborate setups have been BJ's idea, but BB likes to play along too. All goes well, so long as she plays by his rules. (In other words, there's a fair amount of scuffling and negotiating.) But they are learning, and often they have great fun together in these imaginary worlds.

In this instance, BJ wanted to be sure we all understood that we were permitted entry into the water and encouraged to splash around. (This is not always the case; sometimes, the "water" is off limits.) Just in case there was any doubt, he made a sign to remind us:

"People Allowed In The Pond." He needed help spelling out the first two words, but after that he took over. Love the ransom note style, huh? (Yes, he's not yet four and already "writing" out words -- has been doing this for some time, actually.)

Wonder what the blanket will be next!