Oh, the Lake!

We have some very dear friends who lent us their lake house for our vacation--since we couldn't go to the beach. What a great vacation it was! We spent 7 days reading, napping, splashing in the water. We spent 5 of those days playing with our grands and visiting with our daughters. (Missed the sons in law!) Lydia said: "Gee, this lake is TERRIFIC!" Exactly.

School is looming, time to plan for the year. Sorry the painting hasn't happened. But it's still on my mind. The weekend in NYC, gallery-hopping, whetted my appetite. So we will see.

Grandma Keeps Kids

Well, I kept the 6 year old and 1 year old for 4 days--what a blast. 6 is so much fun and such a big help. Baby finally likes me and is oh-so-cute. We had so much fun--playing and playing. I realize how much I need to work on strengthening exercises! My daughters are STRONG women in more ways than one! I felt best when I had no other agenda--just there to play, feed, tend, nurture. Then, we had the birthday party on Sunday while they were here and M and B and the cousins came. Poor Mama J was so tired she forgot where her car was.

I can't think of anything more special than taking care of my children's children! I am a lucky person.

First Day of Summer

Today is the first day of summer--although the temperatures around here have been there already! It is so hot and humid--and all those great thunderstorms have been missing our neighborhood. Things are drying out.

We had a great Father's Day yesterday--S. talked to all our children, we ate a great meal at M's house with 4 generations there. No City Stages anymore but maybe some music soon in the Railroad Park. Just discovered Pandora.com--fun! Will use that at school next year!

Yikes. School will be here before I know it. Still no painting--I think about it a lot. Will be keeping kids this week...maybe paint next week. I have been going to the gym regularly. One goal met at least!

Clearing Out

I accumulate things. Everywhere my stuff is, there are piles--magazines, art supplies, letters, kids' artwork, stuff. I made a little dent today. Anybody need some dusty baskets? Or semi-used candles? A brisker (warmer thingy that keeps chips and crackers fresh--unless you leave them too long)? Today was a sorting thru day. Stayed home all day, talked to the girls, trying to work out vacation plans, wiped down shelves and cleared stuff out.

Painting isn't happening yet. I took a glass workshop--using powdered glass and frit. Fun and freeing for me--good to learn some new techniques. I did paint one little bird, first coat anyway. The dismal pictures of the Gulf only make me sad and angry. I guess I need a painting workshop to jump start me. After next week...

Art Camp--A Huge Success!

We had so much fun! These little artists were so creative and loved trying new things. Today we played with markers and then oil pastels. Beautiful! It was fun using texture sheets too. Pops gave us a magic show--he fooled us all with his 'stretchy'" and 'shrinky' rope! Pizza for lunch, a little dip in the baby pool, and we were ready to pack up and call it a day. After the moms got there, we had our 'award ceremony'. The kids were so proud to see all their work displayed...and then to get their certificates and blue ribbons. We were sad to see them go, but we look forward to next year's Bobbie Art Camp!

Art Camp--Day 2

We have had a wonderful day! After a rocky night and getting up too early, the day was perfect. James came over at 9 and we all sat down to make a beautiful painting. Then razor races and scooter tricks, popsicles and gatorade to recover. Payons were next--magic fun! Every child is an artist--that's what Picasso said and he got that right! We had ham sandwiches and some play time before flat time. I needed a rest:)

After sleeps, we had fresh baked cookies--Henry helped. Then printmaking was our next project. What thrill to hear all 3 yell WOW when the ink first hit the plate. Fun, fun, fun.

Hammers for all--we had to hit the nails that are working their way up on the deck. Then play in the baby pool even tho the water was freezing. Hot baths felt good. Spaghetti for supper, more popsicles or ice cream on the screen porch. What a fun bunch of kids--pretend games, chases, drawing every chance they get. wii and videos end the day. They decided to sleep in a bed tonight--down stairs. They have one chance! Tomorrow is another day. We have a lot to do before the moms come pick them up.

Art Camp Begins

We are having Art Camp at my house this year. The oldest grandchildren are here. I should have started it at 8 a.m. because they have been so excited and have driven their mothers crazy in anticipation. (Notes for next year!) Our first project was clay. They did GREAT! We all had fun making pinchpots with cheerios decoration, funny faces with curly heads, and original idea sculptures. Then it was time for recess--everybody had a scooter/razor for the driveway. Then the girls went inside to play school while Henry and I played spray the helmet with the hose--he has a great imagination! After baths and supper, we chose the movie out of a hat and settled down to watch Airbud 2, with an ice cream break at intermission. They went to bed in their tents with a little booklight to read by. All's quiet now...let's hope that lasts! Tomorrow is another day.