A few weeks ago on a cold, windy, and rainy afternoon my daughter had 2 of her friends come to our house for a play date. The 3 girls happily played board games and ate popcorn in the kitchen while I kept my younger son entertained upstairs to allow the older girls their bonding time.
About an hour into the play date, the door to my bedroom opened and my daughter walked in. “Mommy, will you please let me know when an hour has passed? We are going to silently read for an hour.”
Ummm….WHAT?! Did my 6.5 year old daughter just say that her and her friends would like to silently READ on their play date?!
I told her that I would keep track for her. She came upstairs every 15 minutes asking if it was time yet and I told her no. Eventually my son fell asleep and you KNOW where I immediately ran!
I couldn’t believe my eyes. 1 girl was on the couch. 1 girl was on the love seat. One girl was on the floor. All silently reading. Books everywhere. It was truly my version of play date heaven! They were beyond excited when I immediately ran back upstairs to get my own book so that I could join the fun (they told me there were 2 rules that must be followed: find a place to sit where nobody else was sitting and no talking. I silently took a seat on our leather bench).
The 4 of us silently read. Together. It was awesome. I was so happy and proud! Best play date ever.
It got me thinking of other times in my life where I enjoyed a book silently next to someone I love. When my husband and I were dating, we used to go out for weekend breakfasts and sit and read the newspaper together over coffee. Years later, I will never forget enjoying The Time Traveler’s Wife
Reading has always brought me peace and happiness. Being able to experience that kind of peace and happiness while being surrounded by people that I love only adds to that experience. I like to think that even if she didn’t say it out loud, this is what my daughter felt during her play date. A proud parenting moment for sure.
As for her 2 friends? I told them that they are invited to our home anytime 🙂
What are your examples of reading next to someone you love? I would love to hear in the comments!
Happy Thanksgiving week, everyone! I’m thankful for YOU!
Xo,
Jenny
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Such a beautiful blog .
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Thank you so, so much. What a kind comment. 🙂
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I love little E and all her friends, co cute! This morning, Addie came up to me with 3 books, plopped herself in my lap and sat still while I read them all to her before breakfast. Once I said “food” though, she was off and headed to the kitchen. I so hope A continues enjoying books as much as we all do. As for myself, I love curling up on the couch next to Geoff while I read and he plays his (dumb) video games. We’re together, but not. I love it!
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Love! Does Geoff wear headphones? How do you read with the video game noise??? That would drive me crazy…
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Oh Jenny, not only is he playing video games, but most of the time the TV is on too. I focus better when there is noise! Weird, I know.
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Omg I’m so jealous! I need it SILENT when I’m reading which isn’t always ideal…
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That is SO adorable! I wish I’d had friends who wanted to do this as a kid!
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Right?!?!
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