End of the School Year Happenings

We've been busy  CELEBRATING the end of another fantastic school year.  It's fun reviewing what we've done throughout the year to realize we actually did do A LOT and learned A LOT in the process!  We did a final concert/pizza party/art game with some families in our school group:

We had another BALL to close the year out.  We started with a fancy ball at the beginning of the year to introduce the year's theme to the kids, and made a full circle with another ball at the close of the year.  This ball wasn't quite as elaborate, but just as much fun.  The kids had a good time seeing friends they've made throughout the year.  The Scarlet Pimpernel was there, again, to reinforce his mission to the kids of seeking  Truth, Beauty, and Goodness throughout their lives.

When the kids weren't eating teh delectable desserts, or playing games with friends, there was dancing!

THe Scarlet Pimpernel and Lady Blakeney...

Beautiful Edwards Mansion in Redlands...

At the end of the night, we watched a slide show.  It was fun to see pictures of what other families had done to make for a meaningful school year for their children.

What a handsome looking bunch...

Julie, my mom, and I trekked with the kids out to The Getty Center in LA.  I took the kids there the first week of school when we knew nothing about art, so it was really fun to go at the end of the year when we felt like art experts.  That place really is beautiful and I am impressed at how kid friendly they can make a Museum that is filled with paintings that are worth millions of dollars.

This "Sketching Room" was really fun.  There was real art work all around, but the kids had an opportunity to get quality art paper and charcoal sticks and sit and sketch the artwork.

A highlight for everyone was the "Family Room":

Lots of photo opps at the Getty:

 Watching a duck with her 4 little ducklings...

We were able to find at least one painting by each of our featured artists throughout the year.  They did not have a Leonardo on display, but they did have a painting done by one of his students at his workshop, so that counted.  No Durer was on display, but we decided this giant version of his stag beetle with a pin through it was close enough.  It was a really fun way to review a year full of art!  The kids don't realize how lucky they are to live within driving distance of so much beautiful, original art!  Although they may not remember all they learned this year, I sure hope they have developed an appreciation for fine art and classical music, I know I have!