Painting with E and Celebrating Life | Mommy and Me Monday | 493rd

The girls made it home safely from Houston and were ready for various activities for the week. Originally, there was supposed to be more one-on-one time, but things changed (as they typically do with four kiddos) and we made the best of it. One activity that did stick was a Mother-Daughter painting class one evening at our church. Instead of bringing two girls that are the right age, I just bought E with me. 

It was nice to spend time with her just one-on-one and I think she really liked the extra attention. Plus, she really seems to like the panting process.

We were guided through the idea behind our painting, but also given a lot of freedom and options to make it our own.

Her watering can with flowers came out really nice, and mine came out a little like spider-flowers, but I’m fond of them. 

The next day, the oldest two and I hoped back on yet another plane to fly up to Michigan for a family celebration of life of my grandfather (that passed away in February in Utah). We visited with aunts, uncles, cousins and much of the extended family. Some of them, it had been over 20 years since seeing. Many of them, meeting the oldest two for the first time. 

It wasn’t circumstances anybody wants to get together, but it was nice to remember him and share memories with one another. 

We also were given a box of about 10 photo albums from my great-grandparents estate to go through (that’s them on the left). I had never seen this picture before of me as a baby with my great grandparents and grandparents, so I thought it was fitting to share here. (It would have been really cool if my mom was in the picture, too…I bet she’s the one that took the picture, ironic, right?)

I’m glad we were able to make the quick weekend trip in honor of my grandfather. He (and my grandmother) were the first visitors at our house after the oldest was born (at just days old) and they also visited for her baptism. More importantly, I’m glad my girls were able to visit with him so many times and know him as not many kids are able to know and remember their great-grandparents!

What did you do this week?

GET IN THE PICTURE WITH YOUR KIDS! Who cares what you look like? Cares how you appear? Who cares what you are wearing? JUST DO IT! Come share your picture on the Facebook thread or use #MommyAndMeMonday!

It’s time again for Mommy and Me Monday. Pop out from behind that camera and capture yourself in action with your kids. Check out the inaugural Mommy and Me Monday for more information. Need another reason to participate in Mommy and Me Monday? Read my post about why I blog with words from a friend’s husband.