I got an overwhelming response to our family adventure to Terra Studios, so I wanted to share with you another time when I allowed my children to dress up and explore another local attraction. Nestled in the heart of Fayetteville, AR is a lovely city park called Wilson Park . I remember visiting this park and exploring the castle in the late 90’s with my brother who was living here at the time. I also visited the park on my second date with my now husband. It is full of happy memories for me.
One day last summer, I loaded up the kids and packed several costumes in the car. I allowed them to change and have a dramatic play time on the grounds; following behind with my camera.
I actually took over 200 pictures on this day. At one point my son was a green water fairy and a little girl that we met there joined in on the fun. She borrowed a fairy costume as well.
What joy it was to watch the children play! Dramatic play is their job! It is the way they learn. Be sure to find ways to allow your kids to be kids.
I took my favorite 16 photos and made it into a storyboard. I have aspirations to make it into a shutterfly book whenever I get a really good deal.
Be sure to read the captions. Brace yourself for the cuteness!
The Princess
The dragon-RAWR!!!!
The dragon sees the princess
The princess see the dragon
The Princess runs!
The Princess runs!
He is gaining on her!
EEK!!!
The dragon chases her into the castle.
The Princess is trapped!
The fairy godmother changes the dragon into a knight in shining armor.
The fairy godmother changes the dragon into a knight in shining armor.
She shows him the way to the castle where the Princess was held hostage.
The Princess sees the Knight
They fall in love.
They ride out of the castle.
Link Up: Mama Buzz
How utterly precious. And, how totally blessed your children are to have the love, encouragement and fun that you bring into their lives. This park holds a lot of very special memories for so many of us who have been raised in Fayetteville. The new concrete additions are such a compliment to the natural settings and a total enticement of imagination and magic. Another “way to go” to the City of Fayetteville.
Nancy, I thought you would enjoy this. If you haven’t been to NWA since the early 90’s, you are overdue for a visit. It is a booming place!
I have been back for a couple of reunions, but never have enough time it seems. And my brother and sister-in-law still have a home there .. they live primarily in Kansas but could never give up what they refer to as the Boyer compound. I am due for another trip soon though. My gypsy blood is stirring. I hadn’t been to Wilson Park on those quick visits, but now I am going to have to find the time for sure.
Love this, Jen. So inspiring and motivating to let our kids be kids and let the imagination flow. Love the way you set this up and wrote it like a story. Such a keepsake! Thank you for sharing on Inspire Me Wednesday. I hope you don’t mind, I just have to feature this.:)
So glad you enjoyed it! It is a precious memory!
Pingback: Inspire Me Wednesday Link Party {Issue 70} #InspireMe
Pingback: Come visit the Natural State (a blog roundup of Arkansas places to visit) | Jamie's Thots