Painting Day

So many weeks have passed without a field trip, but this stop at Uncle Dave's store, Creative Art Studio in Royal Oak, is an annual favorite so we made it happen.  Living way out in the country adds just enough driving time to wear me out even before field trips begin so I was very grateful to Paul's parents who said they'd be happy to join in and give a hand.

This was George's first time painting on his own.  Last year we simply stamped his hand onto a bowl and he spent the rest of the time wrapped on my back.  He picked out both the little hedgehog and paints on his own and I was impressed by his concentration and he seemed thrilled about a new found independence.

Henry painted a new bank since his frog bank got busted in the move.  Just like George he was independent in choices and work.  But I have to say it wasn't always so, even last year I was still hovering over how and what they painted.  And I also have to say that this year's pottery painting day was a lot more fun than any others in the past.

Clara chose a fairy sitting on the moon.  She was especially careful in her painting choosing a fine tip brush and waiting patiently between coats, she was the last one finished.  

Maryanna picked out a cupcake box.  She wasn't feeling very well that day because earlier in the morning she hurt herself.  I don't know exactly what she did but I heard a scream from the stair well and she could not straighten up her head.  On the way to Royal we made a quick stop to see Linda Diane Feldt and she gently adjusted her neck back to normal.  It still took her couple of days to be bouncing around like normal and nothing seems normal until Maryanna is bouncing around with her boundless energy and spirit.   

Peter painted the base of a gum ball machine.  He plans to store some of his tiny treasures in there and in scripted "reserved for Peter, do not touch".

For the love of chickens William could not resist this hen tea pot.  He painted it just like one of our Rhode island reds using three shades of red.   

James painted a football snack platter and he was careful in painting it just like one the many footballs that decorate our playing fields. 

After painting the kids practiced lining up (they always joke about not being good at standing in lines because of homeschool).  At this station they got to make wax dipped hands.

I'd say it is kind of creepy and kind of cool.

Here they are, my five biggest helping hands.

Thanks Uncle Dave for once again treating us to such a fun outing!