Another new friend

Todd made another new friend today! He was clamoring to go out into the backyard, and Mommy decided to use the opportunity to sweep up and clean the back patio, which hadn't been touched since the winds blew ash from the Zaca fire into our neck of the woods a few weeks ago.

As soon as we bundled up and stepped outside, we saw a couple of our neighbors wandering about and playing in the communal backyard. One of the kids was a little girl about Todd's age, and not as reticent ;-)

It took a while, but before long Todd warmed to her and they began conversing and playing! She then led him to her back porch, where a sandbox and plethora of toys awaited the kids. I sat outside on our back patio to do some reading while keeping an eye on the kids happily playing. I could hear Todd excitedly chatter away with his new friend. They enjoyed playing for an hour before calling it a day. I was quite pleased to see Todd come out of his shell a bit. He doesn't get to play with many kids his age very often, after all. And more so, kids his age who aren't too aggressive!