I’ve mentioned in passing that we’ve been experiencing some Listening issues at home and at school with Ella. Granted, kids aren’t exactly Great at listening, but it has notably escalated into an issue (especially at school) since baby came into our lives. I’m working on how I talk to her, but I had to lay down the law on Friday and not let her go to her friend’s birthday party on Saturday. It felt awful, but I know I needed to do it, even though there would have been nothing better than to have a few quiet hours to myself on a Saturday afternoon.

Instead I took the kids out to the Musee des Beaux Arts, a free & air conditioned activity that also asks for a bit of inner quiet. We brought along a notebook and pencils/markers so that if we saw a painting we liked, we could take a moment to sketch it out. (Les Vautours by Rober Racine was a big favorite). After going through art-school, seeing art through kids eyes is refreshing and focusing on your visceral response rather than what you know/think you should know is way more interesting and fun! The trip did wonders for re-connecting with Ella, especially by topping off the trip with a visit to Burritoville! Delicious.

Have a good week!