My mother has a photo of me from when I was about three or four years old. You can see the plastic-covered couches that were popular back in those days, especially in Latino households and throughout the Caribbean. In this photo, I am serving my abuelo his “cafe” in one of my plastic toy cups – we didn’t play “tea party” in Puerto Rico; coffee was what was served. Next to me is a Strawberry Shortcake stroller holding one of my dolls. I loved that stroller and only wish I still had it for my daughter to use now. What I remember most, though, is playing with my abuelo.

It’s interesting to see my daughter play the same types of games and even with some of the same toys I had. Like Strawberry Shortcake, so many of the toys from my childhood are back again! But, beyond the same toys making a comeback, there are games that never go out of style. You will always find little girls having tea parties. You can be sure they’ll always play pretend with their dolls and stuffed animals. The latest game my daughter plays in the mornings is to play teacher with her “classroom” full of stuffed animal students – a game I too used to play when I was little.

Through these games, we as parents are able to share more than just quality time with our children. We are sharing stories and memories of our own childhood. I think most kids enjoy hearing stories of mommy and daddy as little kids, my daughter included. In playing together and making play time family time, we’re all getting a dose of nostalgia. Most importantly, we are spending time together.

These are the moments that I am sure my daughter enjoys the most. Playing with mom and dad, hearing stories of how different, or not so different, play time was for mom and dad, and of course, creating her own memories she’ll one day share with others.

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Growing up, I know I played a lot. Whether playing dolls, school, or making up some kind of game, I remember playing a lot with my friends in our backyard patio or theirs. So far, though, my four year old hasn’t been able to experience that same play time with her peers. I don’t even know if there are any kids her age in our neighborhood. Perhaps when she starts school next year, it will become easier to find playmates for her in the area. Until then, we will continue to be her primary playmates, something else that is different from her childhood and mine.

You see, I don’t remember my parents being as involved in play time as I know my husband and I are with her. Sure, I know my mom did play dolls with me sometimes, but for the most part, I remember playing with friends and my brothers more than with mami y papi. That may also change for baby girl now that she’s about to have a baby brother.

Still, I actually love our family play time and know that both my husband and I have a lot of fun actively playing with our daughter. I can’t imagine that will change too much in the coming years.

This Thanksgiving weekend has been one where we’ve done quite a bit of playing as a family. The fact that there’s been no school or work, has allowed us to slow down and enjoy our time together more. That’s definitely something I’m thankful for.

Some of our favorite activities we enjoy as a family that I’m thankful we get to do on a regular basis include impromptu dance parties in our living room, game nights (whether board games or family video games), and movie nights. Each allow all of us to participate and often bring about interesting conversations with our four year old, plus lots of laughter.

As our baby girl grows and her soon-to-be baby brother shows his personality, our family play time will be enhanced and expand to include many more activities. One we look forward to is bike riding, but she hasn’t mastered the skill just yet.

What family activities or play time are you thankful for? Did you get to enjoy some of them this Thanksgiving?

Disclosure: I am a Shout Brand Ambassador through a compensated Mom Bloggers Club member program. This post was written in conjunction with the program, but all opinions and thoughts are original.