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Rock Garden

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At our cottage in Wisconsin growing up, my mom had the idea to begin a "rock garden," which was full of rocks painted by all of us over the course of many summers spent there. Our rock garden was a source of entertainment and a keeper of memories at the same time.

We have been reading the Ladybug Girl books with Leah, which are fantastic childrens' books that encourage creative play, being outdoors, and facing kid issues with bravery and courage. Ladybug Girl and her friends paint rocks in one of the books, and I asked Leah if she'd like to paint some rocks this morning. Words can't really describe her reaction...you'd have to hear the enthusiasm for yourself.

So, first, we hunted for the perfect rocks outside.

Then Leah picked out three colors to start with. (Pink, purple, and blue.)

I love the intensity and focus she has when doing art...

After painting the rocks we originally found, Leah made a decision.

She wanted a big rock.

Her words were, "a REALLY big, big, BIG rock Mama!"

So, then I got my workout for the morning digging and hauling this thing.



In the craziness that always ensues when combining toddlers and paint, I didn't get a picture of the final project, but it is beautiful. The start of our very own rock garden...

Comments

Anonymous said…
We have lots of rocks for Leah to paint if she wants!
July 29, 2011 at 3:54 PM
Jessica and Greg said…
so cute! such great ideas too!
July 29, 2011 at 5:37 PM
Patty said…
What a wonderful idea to incorporate one of your favorite childhood memories with your daughter to begin new family traditions!!!
July 30, 2011 at 4:36 PM
Jed and Anne said…
I LOVE this idea! I can't wait to get more artsy when Ellie gets older.

I hope that you're all having a great summer!
August 14, 2011 at 6:08 PM
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