Hands-on Art

I have been so lucky this year to volunteer with the Hands-on Art program at Will's school. It's so much fun to see the kids create art and express themselves. Plus it's extra special time I get to spend with my big boy!

This week, the students learned about Dale Chihuly's blown glass art. They created their own works of art by twisting tissue paper and cellophane around pipe cleaners and gluing them to a plastic plate. 

 Pretty cool, right?  

The kids got really creative with their pieces

and, as always, had a blast making art!

Little Michael's 2nd Birthday

After Henry's party on Saturday, we got to celebrate another birthday on Sunday! Little Michael turned 2 and we had to have a family party to celebrate.

We didn't arrive until late in the afternoon, but Henry and Mary had the best time playing together. They are like two peas in a pod!

Henry is a huge goofball and had Mary laughing so hard.  

Little Michael got in on the fun too! 

Dinner was spaghetti a la carbonara.   

Special treat for the big birthday boy!

 We couldn't forget the birthday cake.

Pop is a goofball too!

 After cake, it was time for presents.   

 Happy boy with new trains!

Mary and Henry thought Michael's new latch toy was awesome.

Will didn't care for the little one's toys so read his book instead. 

Happy 2nd birthday, sweet Michael!

We enjoyed celebrating your birthday with you! 

Henry's Knights and Dragons Party

Henry's knights and dragons party was so much fun! Henry proclaimed it his best party ever and I think he might be right.

The kids started arriving right at 3 o'clock and we sent everyone outside to start decorating their shields and crowns.

The Vermont cousins got to come to the party this year!! Ella decorated a crown.

Sir Henry didn't need a crown, but he did make a very elaborately decorated shield!

I told you Sir Henry is a fierce knight!

As soon as those shields were decorated, the kids grabbed their newspaper swords and were off in search of a dangerous foe.

All they found was a dear sweet grandma who very patiently put up with four kids jousting with her.

Then they moved into the backyard for some play-fighting! 

Sir Gawain the Goofy called all his knights together to teach them some sword skills.

 Henry and Noah were ready!

 So were Chloe and Will.

My sweet big boy.  

Henry was so happy!

Next, it was time to go on a hunt for a dragon egg. Sir Gawain the Goofy was quite nervous about the egg and therefore had to have lots of help from his newly appointed knights.   

The clues were written on eggs and placed all throughout the house.  

Luke found one on the dining room table. 

They finally found that green dragon egg under the ottoman. Thank goodness it hadn't hatched!

After decorating shields and crowns, learning some sword skills and finding the dragon egg, the kiddos were ready for a feast.  Everyone grabbed plates of food and headed outside to eat.  

Our Austin cousins, Mary and Michael, were there too!  

 After the feast, it was finally time to defeat the dragon!

Sir Henry had the first try.  

Ella gave it her best, 

and so did Leo.  

Will was determined!

But in the end, Sir Gawain the Goofy had to come to the rescue of the other knights.  

And then it was cake time. 

Happy 5th birthday, Sir Henry!

Your knights and dragons party was the perfect way to celebrate your big day!