Art and Life

Ben started an art class through parks and recreation last week. It is one of few classes offered for school-age children during the year and a great supplement for a child who needs a little more social engagement and a mother who would prefer not to have paints, glue, and scissors all over all the time.

Until now, instructors have asked parents to remain there during parks and rec classes. This instructor asked us not to stay as it distracts the kids. So yesterday the girls and I went to the playground (the building is on the park grounds) and watched the baby ducks and Kyri played on the playground while I shielded Everleigh from the wind. It started to rain and threatened to pour so we headed back to the car. We were nearly there when Kyri remembered her sunglasses, left on a bench. I sent her back alone and watched her going, willing her not to trip as she ran. She efficiently grabbed the glasses and headed back. I could see her the whole way but it was far. We entertained ourselves in the car during the downpour for over half an hour and then Ben appeared.

Ben likes the class but he has said several times, "I like art, but I'm not going to be an artist." He hasn't really settled into a career, but he knows he wants to travel. He googled "geography" yesterday and discovered these games.

Once we are settled into the new house we will try to round out his education more. But his self-education is very focused on geography with a little math thrown in. And lots and lots of books.

Kyri asked to resume science yesterday and I told her it would have to wait but we would get there. She knows her alphabet and is putting together phonetic sounds and she can count far. Other than a streak of stubbornness, she promises to be eager to learn and easy to teach.