Mom's Playdate and Art Show

I got to have an early Mother's Day with Alex today at preschool.  We had a little playdate together at school along with an art show of some of the work they've done this past year.  It's one of my favorite things to do with the kids.  Here are pictures of Alex with some of his art projects. 

I love these three art projects.  The children studied three artists and their works and then created a piece inspired by each of the artists.  Can you name the three artists and or the piece the children had as their inspiration? 

Alex was so proud of his pinch pot.  It's for candy ... he was very careful to explain that we would need to put candy in the dish. 

Once school is out, I need to find more opportunities for him to paint and be artistically creative.  Although he isn't as drawn to it as the girls, he enjoys art.  

The poor boy needs a hair cut desperately.  His art teachers did double take when the saw him.  They didn't recognized him because I kept standing with him combing his hair to the side with my fingers - apparently not the look he typically sports at school. 

Happy Birthday Rebecca

Rebecca's birthday was a fun, fun day!  My parents made a last minute decision to drive out to spend the afternoon and evening with Rebecca.  Grandma Mum and Grandpa Bob had lunch with her at school.  Then Grandma Mutti and Grandpa Art surprised her with her birthday treat for the class.  She'd made a loaf of her special banana bread Sunday night and I made two more loaves for her so she'd have enough for everyone.  She was so excited about sharing this with her class.  So cute! 

We went to dinner at one of her favorite restaurants and returned home for cake and presents.  Sunday she told me she wanted a chess cake ... complete with molded pieces.  I asked if it would be okay if I made my interpretation of a chess cake and she agreed (thank heavens!).  It was no where near as elaborate as she first described.  But she was thrilled and it was a very, very yummy cake --- it was also HUGE and took four pounds of powdered sugar to make all the frosting.

She got very thoughtful gifts.  It's hard to shop for an eleven year old.  I found some cute hair accessories and church dresses for her that I hope will make Sunday's easier.  Her Aunt E. sent a water bottle filled with little girlie goodies.  Grandma Mum is taking her shopping for some summer clothes one school is out, and Grandma Mutti & Grandpa Art are giving her piano lessons, something she's desperately wanted for quite some time.  So we're now on the hunt for a teacher. 

Rebecca is an amazing kid, she is talented, bright, ambitious, out going, friendly, courteous, creative, determined, head strong.  She continues to love to read and has been learning how to knit.  She has been working on learning how to cook meals.  She's had two making dinner solo for the family experiences (spaghetti) that were good learning experiences for her.  We love having her in our family.  It's been amazing to see her mature over this past year and start to stand on her own two feet.  Next year will be middle school and we are looking forward to the opportunities it will provide her.