Phamily Phun

By the look of our house, you'd think we have at least 10 kids instead of 1. All the toys, clothes, books, toys, toys, and toys we have. Did I mention the boat-load of toys?

Anyway, a couple years ago or so, I had the bright idea that I'd rotate some of the toys in an attempt to keep the living room more presentable. I loaded up a big plastic bin with a bunch of stuff, then tucked it away in the hall closet. I figured every few weeks I'd pull it out, take out the stored toys, and stash other stuff away in its place. It was a splendid plan!

So, it's been at least two years since I took that bin out of the closet. I pulled it out the other day and found baby toys that my son has long since outgrown, along with a bunch of books whose whereabouts I'd questioned (although I must admit I have not missed Green Eggs and Ham -- at all!). And there were stuffed animals too. I think it must be in some sort of grandparent's creed that you shower your grandchild in stuffed toys. Give them, give them, give them, until the child is swimming in stuffing and fake fur.

Among the stuffed toys was this green monster. I'd forgotten all about him, and I was actually startled when I saw him in the box....

... then I remembered, he's just a baseball mascot. Kind of freaky looking, don't you think? He was a gift for my son's first birthday. I figured that my little boy, now nearly 3 1/2 would get a kick out of this green guy, especially since he's acquired a Philly accent. So I set him on the stairs, as a little surprise.

Later that day, when my son marched up the stairs, I followed him. He spotted the pile of green fluff in a baseball uniform and gasped.

"Ohhhh! Mommy did you get this for me?"

No, honey. Grandma and Grandpa gave him to you for your first birthday.

"Awwww. That was so nice of them!"

I'm so glad he wasn't frightened by the thing, like I was!

Comments

[Bluegrass Mama]

How can you be frightened by the Phanatic? He is the coolest mascot in all of sports! Last spring we went to a Phillies game, and I spent way too much in the gift shop on a Phanatic bobblehead. I even have his movie on my Amazon wish list.

[Jody]

I know that some people can rotate toys. Me... Not so much. I just clean out the bottom of the toy chest every so often. If I haven't seen it in a while out it goes!

[Elle]

I just can't warm up to the Phanatic. I'm a Pirates Parrot fan all the way...

[Sarcasmom]

Still saying WAhter, is he? THe Philly Phanatic is the best part of any Phillies games. He is as lovable as he is green. I think the CP has the same stuffed doll. ANd I think we got it for him.

[Marie]

The Phanatic has a movie??!!!

You can tell I'm not a baseball fan, huh? I'm sure he'd be phun at a game...

[kristi]

It's the eyes. Creepy, creepy eyes.

[vw bug]

My boys both have one. I agree with you... creepy.

[Suzanne]

Maybe you have to grow up around Philly to appreciate the Phanatic. We all love him!

[Barbara]

How sweet he is.