Play Dates: I've Become THAT Mom

             Hey folks! Sorry it's been so quiet around here lately, but I hope you've been enjoying the giveaways at least as usual. :) Like I mentioned in last week's Week in Photos post, I've mostly just been too busy to even have time to write. Other than that, I've had a bit of writer's block and the only thing I could think to write about still gets my blood boiling, so I figured we might as well skip over that!

             Other than getting ready everything ready for our upcoming craft fairs, Myka and I have not only been going to quite a few play dates, but we've been hosting the majority of the ones we've been to in the past few months. The transformation is complete. I have become that mom.

             Don't get me wrong. I don't think there's anything wrong with going or taking your kids to play dates, obviously. I just never thought in a million years that I would be the play date type of mom. In fact, I'm pretty sure I used to scoff at the idea, mostly because I assumed all of the moms who went to things like that would be upetty and clique-ish. You know, like high school all over again, but with kids added on. Who the hell wants any part of that?

             In all fairness, I did kind of get that impression from half of the moms I came across at the few meetups we went to for the play group that was around the area we used to live. Not surprising, really, as that's just the type of people that live in that area from what I have experienced. However, I decided to give the moms meetup group for here a chance after we moved and I'm glad I did. Even for being only a couple of hours away in the same state, people are so different here! ...In a good way! (Who doesn't like being pleasantly surprised? ;) )

             Other than the moms being more laid back and friendlier, the group here seems to have a much more diverse array of meetups. Let's face it: Not that they necessarily need it, but it can be hard to find social opportunities with babies and toddlers. I was happy to see that there are both public activities scheduled and in-home baby play dates hosted by different members of the group. Fun, right? We all need to get out of the house sometimes. :)

             I like that the activities for preschool-aged kids vary too so that there's bound to be something for everyone! And you know what? If no one is hosting an event or activity that you would like to do, you can always host it yourself! That's how I ended up hosting a bunch of craft play dates this fall. The kids got to do an easy craft AND run some energy off at the park! I hosted one this week for a hike and picnic at a local lake and enjoyed it so much that I plan on doing them regularly in the spring if I'm up for it after the new baby gets here. ;)

             So, while I may have not made any new “bffs”, I'm glad I gave the whole play date group thing another chance. I seem to be coming out of my anti-social shell I crawled into after high school finally. It feels good to get out of the house and talk to other adults now and then. ;) Plus, Myka enjoys getting out of the house more than I do and it's fun seeing her interact with other kids her age now that she actually has SOME interest in other kids.

             Do you and your children go to any regular activities for kids, play date meetups, or homeschool group activities? What's been your experience with play dates, if you've ever been to one? Love 'em or hate 'em?