Dawn on the Road

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Running Free Among the Priceless Works of Art

We haven't done a kids event at the Brooks since Meredith was about 2. This weekend we took Keddi and braved the Saturday morning mayhem for The Impressionist Revolution show that's there now. It couldn't have been cooler. The girls made amazing hats from butcher paper, then folded paper boats, and then did a scavenger hunt through the exhibit itself. There were details to find, animals to count, wagon tracks to analyze, and rewards for each correct answer given to a volunteer.

Let's be clear, any actual rewards should have gone to me (and mostly to the guards) for preventing Madeline from destroying any works of art. A high point was finding her climbing on a column to reach one such priceless item. And now I've been sarcastic, which Meredith hates. But if there was ever a time...

Luckily the end of the exhibit has a pretty impressive children's room. Hats for dressing up, a "cafe" for philosophical pontificating, and more.


Part two of the morning was a performance by the students at New Ballet Ensemble. They re-enacted Degas paintings that were projected behind them in a completely fluid and beautiful way. And did lots more besides. I am consistently blown away by the quality of ballet here in Memphis. I recognize that I know nothing about ballet, but it's always accessible, inspiring and relevant. And that's something.

August 13 is pottery day for kids at the Brooks. We might just have to check that out.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Came home from working late at the coffee shop last night to find that Chris and the girls had made cupcakes and a beautiful sign and put presents on the table (thanks Mom and Dad!). It's already been a great birthday -- not least because the girls and I have each already had two cupcakes!

On the Deck

It seems that most family visits end up with some of us sitting on the deck playing 20 Questions. Or some version of 20 Questions. More like 172 Questions.

Uncle Stan and Keddi were great competitors. When Mer left the deck for awhile, she checked on them to be sure they were still playing on their own. Madi was mostly content to share a chair with her sister.

Evergreen Neighborhood Parade

Dear heaven it was hot. Festive, but hot. Thank you Trinity United for cold lemonade.

Summertime Sisters

Watermelon on the front porch. On the way to the pool, so sticky is OKAY.

Fixing each others hair.

Meredith raking mulch. Meredith wearing knee socks in July.

Sweet girls.

Interview with Madi

This one just falls into the category of "my baby is growing up, and I'd better record something before that happens."