old treasures

My brother came for a visit recently, and brought with him a treasure chest of loot for my little boys. The chest itself is the toy box of his childhood--wooden, worn, emblazoned with cowboys. It's wonderful, though in need of a bit of TLC.

The treasures inside? Original series matchbox cars from the 60's. Dozens. Die cast, made in England, not like the toy cars available now. Jeeps, dump trucks, a combine, a milk truck. Also a very cool jumbo-size toy John Deere tractor. A pint-sized football helmet, circa the 1960s Rams. And baseball gloves with the [new favorite] uncle's name printed in sharpie many many years ago. Treasures indeed. All things our little boy loves: wheels, football, soccer, cowboys.

Piglet has hardly played with anything else since they arrived, giving no heed to the scratches and signs of age, periodically looking up from play to question what type of vehicle this is or what that truck is used for. He is enthralled. And I love strolling down memory lane, imagining my much-older brother playing in much the same way.

I'm so happy these nearly-vintage toys are being loved again. Thanks big bro for sharing.