That was ME talking!  I took Tyler back to this fantastic Waldorf toy store that has the most beautiful wooden toys.  We had purchased a chicken and two chicks last time and I was wanting to add an animal or two to our “farm”.  To my dismay, he played more with the trains and motorcyle this time.  He hadn’t napped and after a while, I think was too tired to make a decision and really – he wanted the trains and motorcycles more.  He has plenty of those at home, so we left with just a whirlywind and a rattle for Quinn. 

I was SO bummed!  Tyler had a fine time and he was content, but mama was sad!  They even had a little hen house that was too cute.  But, I got a reality check and as it is Tyler still has too many toys.  I need to do another clean through.  I figure that on his half birthday, we may add a few things and a hen house might be one of them.

I just think it is amusing how as a parent I can get so drawn into his toys - like they were my own.  Chris and I look at all the Thomas Train stuff salivating over what trains we want to get next and what features (tunnels, etc).  Chris gets bummed when Tyler tears down a track he built.  I get miffed when Tyler jettisons his chickens and I can’t find them (Chase eats them – I have already replaced one chick).  I almost picked something out for Tyler at the store today, but in the end decided I didn’t want to chose for him.   We will just return some other time when he is in an “animal” mood! :-p

So I just looked it up – these animals are from Germany and are the Ostenheimer line of wooden figurines.  Here is some more info:

Every Ostheimer figure is sanded, painted with non-toxic stain, and varnished by hand, a process which ensures that each one is absolutely unique.

They really are amazing and I am HOOKED on them.  Honestly – I think the only things I will be getting for Tyler in the near future will be these toys.  They are beautiful and very sweet.  Tyler was immediately drawn to them.  They are expensive, so we will be buying slowly, but I think worth it.  The chick I have pictured here was $10.  But if I buy few toys and he plays with them for 5+ years – it will be worth it.  That is my aim – purchase toys that have longevity and can offer years of play.  See more Ostenheimer Toys and if you are in Austin, Three in the Nest is the store.

Note:  Okay – hubby shot this idea out of the water.  And I agree that these would be more approrpiate when he is a bit older and will take better care of them and will put them away so our dog doesn’t eat them.  However, the “what’s wrong with the $2 plastic equivalent” doesn’t work for me because there is none.  I mean try to find a plastic set that doesn’t make noise and take all the imagination away by telling you how to play with it.  That is why to this day, Tyler has no farm set even though he loves playing with animals.  {sigh}  Anyway, regardless of whether or not we invest much in them (I will have to watch eBay), I still think they are beautiful toys.