Helping in the Park

First of all it is 75 degrees and sunny in Boston today. Finally!!! In honor of the temperature, Ella and I spent some time at Cambridge Common today before her nap. Cambridge Common is one of many urban parks around town and it is surrounded by a lot of noise, traffic, and Harvard Square nonsense. While in the park we came upon another little girl and her daddy. She was just a little older than Ella. She was riding on her daddy's shoulders and wouldn't get down to play with Ella at first. He explained that she is afraid of sirens and wants to be up off the ground when they go by. A few minutes later it got a little quieter and she got down to look at Ella. And Ella looked at her. In a very non-interactive way they did a little playing.
Another few minutes later another ambulance flew by. The little girl ran to her daddy and Ella did what she always does when she hears sirens; with a half a smile and a little hesitation she yells, "Beep--Beep--Beep!"
[Side Note: Our oven is so dumpy these days that it often creates enough smoke to set off the fire alarm and Ella will go into BEEP mode when she sees us head towards the oven or even say the word oven.]
The little girl slowly made her way out from behind her daddy and joined Ella in the beeping song. Another few minutes went by and this time it was a fire truck (Really, Cambridge, Mass is a safe place to raise children--I think) and this time they both smiled big and yelled together, "BEEP, BEEP, BEEP!!!"
So in my mind, Ella helped a new friend get over a fear today. She did so in a very odd way, but she was helpful nonetheless. Now the next time Ella says, "hep, peese!" I won't hesitate to be the first in line to help my big helper!
Way to go, little E!