I'm always amazed at all the expensive things that parents and relatives buy for children. I've found that the simplest things like bubbles, balloons and kites bring hours and hours of pleasure.
So, when I'm heading back to San Miguel, one of the things I always try to remember to buy are kites. Ten kites this time from Walmart - 99 cents each - not a money breaker - just a treat for the kids who live in the two houses next to me. I'm not sure if ten are enough anymore since there are so many kids from teenagers to little ones, but they share.
So the kites were doled out on Friday or Saturday. At first, in a windless mid-afternoon attempt, they were running downhill on the cobblestones at breakneck speeds. I could hardly watch for fear they WOULD break their necks. No child fell, thankfully. I was whispering "cuidado" under my breath..........
Then they realized if they waited unti about 5PM when the winds pick up, just prior to the rain, whoa, they could REALLY REALLY get those kites up, FAST. They were all out there at different times. Big kids and little ones. The big ones helping the little ones. They were squealing in delight and had happy smiles. Those that didn't have a kite didn't whine or get mad, they just waited their turn.
Last evening even the parents were out there watching them. That was the fourth evening and the enjoyment has not subsided one bit. If I'm not out there visiting with the parents, I'm inside hearing their squealing and laughter. It warms my heart.
So, if you're in Mexico - well heck, even if you're not, buy a few kites, pass them out randomly and then stand back and watch the enjoyment.
Pure magic.
8 comments:
Good idea Babs! I'm headed down in a couple of weeks to Isla Mujeres with some school supplies. I think I'll throw in some kites!
You are right about the simple things being enjoyed. I am sure that you remember having fun making house out of an old cardboard box. We use to go to the hardware store and get old cardboard tubes and make things with those....they were free.
Now parents buy stuff, expensive stuff that gets played on, until the batteries wear out, the plastic something or other breaks and the thing goes into the trash or the shelf in the garage that is stuffed to the gills with crap.
At least with a cardboard box you can use it as a floor mat under the leaking car.
You are a nice lady for bringing stuff back for the kids......they may even remember that someday!
What an incredible and simple idea! Love it! Small kindness with big results.
What a great idea! I'll keep that one in mind for next time. Your drive down went well then?
Great idea and I can only imagine how much fun all of them are having.
LaB - I can imagine how great kites would be at Isla!
Tancho - Big boxes were so much fun for my kids - add a bunch of bed sheets and they had tunnels and houses all over the place! Imagination was the key......
AMiM - I'm sure your kids have had fun with kites too.
tlorenz - An uneventful drive - which is ALWAYS a good thing.
Kay - It's a joy to behold......
kite flying is a major activity in our area of Mexico - good fun!
Barbara, you are a good soul.
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