The current obsession in our house is with Rapunzel. Disney's new animated princess movie Tangled is really cute and we've probably watched it somewhere near 100 times so far. (no, really not exaggerating!)

As a result, Rapunzel is the favorite princess in our house these days. And it's not just limited to Allison. EVERYONE has to get in on the act. Allison is, of course, Rapunzel. And Peter gets to be her unlikely common-criminal-turned-true-love Flynn Ryder. Mr. Brown gets to be a second Flynn Ryder. And baby Jonathan alternates between the 3rd string Flynn and the chameleon Pascal.
What about me? Well, I tried auditioning for the part of the silent but beautiful and kind Queen. Instead I have been cast as Mother Gothel. Upon my protests I was told that I "could be a nice Mother Gothel." Well that makes it better. Although I personally can't imagine a universe where a woman who is several hundred years old as a result of hording a magical flower and subsequently kidnapping and imprisoning an innocent baby princess could be considered "nice." But, hey, what do I know?

So every day we pretend we are the Rapunzels and Flynn Ryders of the world. To complete the picture Allison uses two scarves tucked into the back of her dress to act as her long hair.

I have to admit there are several advantages to this pretend scenario.
1. the kids play together nicely. There are very few arguments between the lost princess and her friends.
2. the role of Mother Gothel allows me to make requests of Rapunzel such as picking up toys or clearing dishes that actually get done because it's all just part of the game.
3. it's nice to see them playing together rather just making a big mess

This stage of pretend play is very fun to watch.