conversation

I have never really heard Paige talk to kids she doesn't know...especially older ones that she can have a conversation with (she is good at talking to babies)....we have had the same circle of friends up here for the last 3 years...
BUT, yesterday we went to the park for a bit and an older boy came running up to play. I listened in as I watched River piddling around in the tanbark.

Paige: HI (very enthusiastic!!!)
Older Boy: Hey, do you want to play?
P: Sure....I'm Paige
OB: I am Christopher
P: Like my shiny boots....see, they're PINK!
OB: (Kind of rolling his eyes) yeah....let's pretend we are on a boat, ok?
P: (squeals) Ok...this is FUN!!!
P: Do you remember my Daddy...he is Justin.
OB: Do I know you? Have we played before?
P: Yeah (nodding her head and clearly lying as we have never seen this boy before)
OB: Oh, let's go to the other playground and it can be the other boat.
P: Mommy, look at us!!!
OB: (losing interest) Ok, you play on this boat and I will play on the other boat.
P: (beaming) MOM, we are playing!!!


I couldn't help but smile for a few reasons....
#1 Paige was not shy, which has been a big hurdle for us this last year especially with BOYS, ewwww!
#2 Paige was trying to have a real conversation with this new older boy
#3 This sweet boy was actually entertaining this quasi-conversation with some girl much younger than he was....he was 5!
#4 It was nice to stand back and be privy to this small moment in my child's life. Making friends can be so painfully hard when you get a little older...so many social rules, and mean girls....I do not look forward to those days.

So for now...Paige and her shiny boots will be brave and make friends with boys, and I can be proud for ONCE she did not come running to me crying that some BOY was trying to talk to her!