Child's play

A most hilarious Saucy over at bloggedy blog blog participated in a "Remembering Your Childhood Toy" event today hosted by Scrappy Jess. Her post prompted some reflection on my own favourite toys. I had a look through my old photos & invite you to join me in a little reminiscence.

My parents obviously had strange ideas about what babies like. Red plastic fish? I don't look overly impressed. Check out that pile of Christmas presents. Can you tell I was an only child & grandchild for a while? Until my yucky younger brother came along four years later, that is. Obscene.

For most of my early years this little dolly was my constant companion. She had the most gorgeous chocolate brown skin. Apparently I spied her at the store and we bonded from the onset. Rumour has it I threw a bit of a temper tantrum when they tried to take her away to pay for her, and was even worse when they tried to put clothes on her. My dear grandmother hand sewed her clothes. I still have her, though for some reason she's missing a foot & all of her clothes. Interestingly enough, many of my baby dolls were missing feet. Hmmm, maybe had something to do with the yucky baby brother.

My maternal grandmother built this playhouse for me when I was about 4 or 5. I was visiting my other grandparents one afternoon and thought the greenhouse they were building was a playhouse for me, which gave grandma the idea. I spent so many hours playing in this house. I had shelves and a table & chairs. My mom planted a garden out front & surrounded it a white picket fence. In later years, it became a shed for my grandma, until it was sold to another family with a little girl. I think it's still around somewhere. Hopefully being used by some wonderful child. 

I have the best memories of building this dollhouse with my dad. I had furniture for every room. The real Barbie furniture, plus odds & ends that we picked up. My mom & I papered the walls with pages from old wallpaper books. I loved this dollhouse. Unfortunately, after I moved out, my mom downsized to a smaller home. The dollhouse was left outside & didn't weather the elements well. I think all the furniture & dolls were sold in a garage sale. I wish it was still around. I'd be playing with it still I think.

I tend to think I was a pretty indulged little girl. Not spoiled exactly, but very, very loved. 

Thanks for indulging me on the jaunt down memory lane. Happy May Day everyone!