Random September Happenings, Part I

Fun things we did in the first half of September:

Sept. 2

I wasn't going for realism here, just some fun colorful acrylic flowers. I wish I would have drawn the vase better; it looks wonky. It was also really, really uncentered (I cropped this picture so you can't tell). So, a little later, I peeled off the canvas from the cardboard backing, made some cuts with an Xacto knife, and sealed the edge with some bias paint to make this picture an official mixed media project. 

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September 3

Elisa and I found these Mario and Luigi chocolate puzzle candy-things. The boys loved them and opened them almost immediately. Well, Ian did and then he stole Gabe's. Or was it the other way around? I can't remember. But I didn't even get to see them open the packages nor did I see what they were. These would make great stocking stuffers, who knows, maybe Santa will bring more of these for Christmas!

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Saturday, September 7--A fun day out! I received an email from Scottsdale Art School about an open house for kids. Elisa was interested in going, and I decided when I went to register that Ian might as well come with. I've been eyeballing the art classes this art school has to offer for a few years now, but, unfortunately, this school isn't exactly close (45 min away). I figured Saturday morning would be the perfect opportunity to check out the school. There was different art stands set up across a room where the kids got to try out new art techniques. Elisa got to try oil paints, but the favorite table was the printmaking, Ian especially liked it, he did several prints. There were a couple of other tables that were a little crowded, so Ian and Elisa didn't bother with those. They also really enjoyed the snack table!

After the art open house, we went to Hobby Lobby (no pictures) and bought a bunch of stuff. Then we stopped by Michael's for a little bit and got a couple of things. After Michael's, we were hungry, so I took them to Raising Cane's for some yummy lunch. 

Elisa trying the oil paints

Ian enjoyed trying the snacks just outside the art room.

The foam prints were a big hit with these two!

Eating at Raising Cane's

A picture of these two on the way back. It's usually Elisa who covers her face, not Ian!

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Sept. 7

Erik's Toyota corolla had been overheating on the freeway, due to a cracked head gasket or maybe something worse. I told him it was the universe's hint that he should get a new car. Not to mention, he was getting rather snide remarks about his old corolla when he'd park in the doctor's parking lot! On the same day I was out with Ian and Elisa, Erik went to the Toyota dealership and found himself a nice white Lexus to take home. We met him at the dealership and took a test drive in it. We signed some papers and then I left with the kids, while Erik stayed behind to wrap up some loose ends. Later that evening, he took the car home. We went back a day or two later to pick up the corolla, since Erik had taken it to the Toyota dealership for repairs. It's good for Erik to finally have a nice car to drive to work in. And Gabe can drive the corolla when he gets his licence; it works well enough for him to get to school and back.

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Sept. 9

I've been trying to keep whatever art skills I have left up and running by doing fun stuff in my little art notebook. Mostly just doodles and designs, but still fun to do. If anything, I find it relaxing. They're not going to be on any walls, so I'm not pressured to make anything amazing.

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