Monday, June 4, 2012

To Water Table or Not To Water Table

That is the question.

Or should I say, that was the question. I first noticed these little toddler height gimmicked bins full of water last summer, and thought they were a pretty neat idea, and I would for certain buy one for The Sheriff at some point. But as this summer rolled closer, I couldn't help but wonder if this was something he'd play with for 10 or 15 minutes (which, mind you, is sometimes golden) and then be done.  I saw many of you post pictures of your little ones; I asked neighbors and friends if their children enjoyed them. I didn't get any definite answers. Yes, kids like them, but would mine?





Then came the ToysRUs coupon, and sure enough I made my way over toddler free and in Cowboy's SUV with plenty room for a big box. After debating whether or not to go full court press on this water table situation and purchase the Little Tikes Pirate Extravaganza or actually make my $10 off coupon worth it and go with a lesser model.

(Side note--Husband just informed me that "full court press" is a defensive tactic. I'd have to nod to myself that yes, it's the perfect metaphor here. Entertaining a toddler on hot summer afternoons is indeed a game of defense. The longer I can ward off boredom or meltdowns or losing my own mind indoors, the better.)

The lesser model won out and I came home with the Little Tikes Spiralin' Seas Waterpark Ball Drop Bay Water Table.



What the what?!?! Seriously, what's in a name already? I'll tell you. That little "spiralin'" minus the "g." See what they did there? Let me explain.

I didn't even realize it at the time, but it opened the door for my inner gangsta', yea you read that correctly, to make an appearance. The first couple of days The Sheriff played for a bit and was done; we probably got about 30 minutes or so. I'd say that's a win.

But it wasn't until I introduced him to the concept of "makin' it rain" that he fell in love. You see, that wheel in the picture above with the green holders for balls has a handle to give it a whirl, and if you spin it fast enough, it splashes water everywhere, thus "makin' it rain."






Then there was a request for "WyWy ma wain," so move on over Momma!


Seriously, he was beyond happy. Just giddy.  I was cracking up with his asking  "Momma may wain" over and over again, so I did in fact indulge his request and soak the mess out of him, myself, and our back patio.  His other favorite water table pastime, when Momma puts her foot down for a break from delivering the water goods, is filling the red cup with water and dumping on his head. And then on mine which is fine. Well, we are only on day 2 of this dumping shindig. It could get old. 


Overall I'd say I got my money's worth, and if you are debating, go for it. For us it's not a you-play-by-yourself-for-a-few-minutes while I sit here type of toy. We don't have many of those, I suppose, but that's why I'm here with him. Imaginations don't grow on their own.

Perhaps soon we'll be graduating to a less literal interpretation of the concept and "make it rain" when checking out our groceries some day in the future. Get this kid some bills!



10 comments:

Anonymous said...

oh my goodness what super cute and fun pictures!! evident of how much fun he was having!! success!! way to go momma!!

Allie said...

O man we need one asap!!! Love the pics!! xoxo

stayathomemomma said...

I had the same weary feelings about purchasing a water table except my concern was paying too much in the store. I wanted something I could put on our porch so Em would be outside but not in the sun. I messaged a few people while shopping in the store yesterday. I ended up purchasing a water table because 1)there was coupon, 2) we just received a new Radio Flyer wagon that we picked up off the curb for FREE and 3) I promised myself the next toy I have in mind for Em would be used and practically for free. I think she likes it and we played with it for about 15-20 mins yesterday. Good enough for me! Hoping she enjoys it til the end of summer.

Jamie said...

A few minutes of alone play?! Yes, please.

Sarah @ Vol Family Life said...

Yes! So wonderful! We definitely love ours and Evie can happily play for 45 mintues to an hour! SCORE!

Happiness Is... said...

I keep wondering if these things are worth it ... toys are so hit and miss! I have seen people just fill tupperware with water and kids be just as happy, but it's hard to resist the pretty ones with all the bells and whistles!

Am I Really Grown Up? said...

Sounds like a win to me!

Kat said...

WOW yours is spectacular! We got one at a tag sale recently but it is not even CLOSE to this cool

tiffany | monuments and melodies said...

we have one & it's a hit over here! need to try the "make it rain" bit though & see what happens ;)

Natalie said...

Make it rain girl! Ha ha love this. I know I bought a water table, and Nolan plays with for a little bit. It's so hard at this age!