Because it is summer...

...we are trying very hard to not hear the words "I'm bored." (which are illegal in my house anyway...)

So we've been working on our "This is Salt Lake" books. Next four pages.

painting our "This is Salt Lake" pages...

drawing/painting/cutting out clothes for laminated paper dolls...

...and finishing up our camping chairs. Remember those from girls camp? You pack all your camping gear in them and they also double as a camp chair. I made the cushions for the top and I let the kids paint the sides.

Book bag

Today I am giving each of my children a new book that they've never seen before. I've been hatching this idea for months. I wanted them to each have a book that reminds me of them. For L, When you were small. I chose this one because L is totally silly, and this book has a sweet silliness to it. For M, The Red Shoes, because it is about a creative girl and her creative mom. Each book will be given in its own bag, with a coloring book (made by making copies of pages in the book, and stitching them together), and one interactive activity.

L's bag

M's bag

L's activity - color copies from the book, mounted on felt.

M's activity. One colored background from the book, with interchangeable skirts and dresses. (laminated).

M's coloring book.

This is Salt Lake

Have you seen these books by Miroslav Sasek? They are so beautiful. And fun. Especially if you have a "thing" for Europe. So this week is Book Week at our house. (Yes! Another theme).

We are going to document our summer adventures to Salt Lake, M. Sasek style. We will be making our very own "This is Salt Lake." But first, take a peek at "This is London".

On Monday the children and I spent the morning in Salt Lake. Here are the first sketches, which I will then turn over to the kids to paint. To say that my drawing skills are rusty is an understatement. But it is what it is.