Our Pray & Play Date

A group of moms from the church associated with Danielle's preschool formed a Pray & Play group for the summer months. Today the kids and I joined them for an outing to a paint-your-own ceramics place. I have wanted to try this with the kids anyway, so this was a great opportunity. This place was much less expensive than the other places I've checked out, too.

The kids each picked out 3 pieces to paint. Danielle picked a big cat, a little monkey, and a "baby" turtle. Tyler picked out a big turtle, a lizard, and small seashell. Tyler also painted a butterfly for his great-great aunt (whom he went to visit this evening).

We just used the acrylics today (rather than the glazes) because I didn't want to drive back out, and I thought the kids would be disappointed if they didn't get to take something home today. The kids really enjoyed picking out and painting their pieces. It never ceases to amaze me at how different 2 siblings can be. Tyler concentrated on using just one or two basic colors. Danielle used multiple colors on her pieces. Tyler finished his rather quickly. Danielle was slow and methodical. It was fun and the kids cherished their work.

After the painting we went to a nearby school for a picnic and some play time. Three of the kids had been in Danielle's preschool class this year, so she was very comfortable and enjoyed playing with her friends. Tyler's never met a stranger, so he had fun, too. We had a nice time.

Yesterday our local library had its summer reading program kick-off. They had a magician, goody bags, and cake for everyone. The magic show was really good (and funny) and all the kids got a balloon animal afterwards. I was again reminded of how lucky we are to live in a small town. Well, probably not just any small town; How lucky we are to live in this small town!

Touring the ice cream factory, playing on our water slide, picking strawberries, attending a magic show, and painting our own pottery - our summer is off to a good start!