LEGO Lovers

Daniel used to be what people might call "LEGOs-challenged".
In the last month, things have turned around, and for whatever reason, he is finally understanding how to create on his own with LEGOs. It feels monumental to me because he has always loved LEGOs and he has often wanted friends or Ben to make things for him. 
I think turning this corner came about because we pulled out the craft table for Daniel's room during the holiday season. I've had to overlook the crowded state of his bedroom for his (and Ben's) love of LEGOs. Another factor was the generous gift of Uncle Steve and Aunt Tiercy. They gave Daniel all of the LEGOs that their boys (Tyler and Ethan) used to play with. They were organized in still having the instructions for the sets. Ben and Daniel have been going through the Rubbermaid, putting them all together with these instructions. (Thanks again Tyler and Ethan!) LEGOs are a great thing to love, I believe. I love that they are something not media-oriented. Playing with LEGOs is smart play and increases creativity and brain cells.Most importantly, it's something Daniel and Ben love doing together.
In fact, there have been days where Daniel is playing outside and I can't find Ben in the house. I'll peek in Daniel's room and there is Ben playing with LEGOs or sorting Daniel's LEGO pieces into their little drawers. I love it! Ben and his siblings grew up, playing often with LEGOs. Even his young adult sister, Anne, still had LEGOs on her Amazon wish list. I think it's a calming hobby for both Daniel and Ben. Plus, it's another interest that draws them closer. During the holidays, Ben went to Walmart to buy these little organizers. Each container has 5 drawers, so it has given them 20 separate drawers to sort all the pieces by size. Having this system, along with an adult-sized chair and table, has added to Ben and Daniel's involvement with LEGO play.
I know Ben will not love inserting this photo since the table is a mess and he is trying to encourage Daniel to clean up and keep the LEGOs tidy. It's a challenge for me as a Mom, though. I have kidded Daniel about this Pinterest funny.

When you have kids that love LEGOs, you end up stepping on and vacuuming up a few of them!

I saw this organizing idea online, but Ben and Daniel have found their own way of organizing. I'm a firm believer in letting the "users" discover the most effective way for them to organize their things. I would do them by color, but 'to each his own.'

With all the pride in the things they have built together, we had to clear a shelf in Daniel's bookcase to showcase their creations. Some were made by Ben. Many were created together. And just a few were made by Daniel alone. Now that is something I'm proud of!
On the shelf above are some of our Chevron car collection. Ben and I started collecting these before we had children. Aren't they cute? I would love to add to the collection. For some reason, they are something that Christina and I both enjoy. She will sneak them into her room for Polly Pocket play.
I'm so glad that Daniel has added another interest to his life. I think it will be something he and Ben enjoy for many years!
P.S. A few months ago I found a LEGO party pack on Amazon (under $20) that comes with LEGO party favors, along with free kids passes to LEGO Land or LEGO Discovery Center. There is a new LEGO Discovery Center in Dallas, just minutes from our old house. On our next trip to Texas, I'm planning to take the kids here. Hopefully, we can still tap into the party favor deal!