Love the unexpected

We had a fun, unexpected Saturday last weekend. We had planned on grocery shopping and hanging around the house, but instead it turned into a pretty darn full day.
In the morning we headed over to Lowe's to pick up an A/C filter before heading over the grocery store. When we pulled into the parking lot though we saw all these short (really short) little people in itty bitty aprons holding itty bitty hammers. As we started towards the building I couldn't help but think how fun that would be to do with Henry when he's a little older. To my surprise we were invited to join in! Really? He's not too little? No?!? (just like mom to hold him back) So, all we had to do was sign a waiver and the supplies, apron, and even a little badge to sew on the apron were FREE! Just had to put the hammer back in basket when we finished. Of course I didn't haul the camera to the home improvement store, but I can tell you this boy loved it! He did pretty well with the hammer, but I think he really enjoyed placing the nails in the right spot and sanding the edges. We are looking forward to going back. You can't beat a free family activity and free wooden toy that you made together! We'll be sure to share our future projects.
[The best thing was that this project ended up being a twofer. The next day was a bit rainy and we stayed inside so Henry got to paint his car too!]





So onto our evening. We found out there was a free concert in a park near our house and it was the Lovell Sisters. They are a bluegrass group from Georgia. We heard them a few years ago (2005) on A Prairie Home Companion when they won the Teen Talent Show. The show started around the boy's bedtime but we figured we'd give it a go anyway. So off we headed. We went a bit early to get decent parking and seats and were glad we did. It got pretty crowded. Luckily they had a bounce house and people were doing face painting (no, thanks) and making animal balloons (yes, please) so Henry had some pre-show entertainment.
Now I wish I could tell you how great the show was but I honestly can't. It was good, but it ended up being background music.
First of all this kid is a rascal (and he will tell you that too). Second we sat behind some really nice people that had the cutest little 2 yr. old girl. Henry, being so shy, accosted the mom and made quick friends with the entire family. So we spent most of our evening listening to the music when we could and the rest of the time wrangling toddlers and chatting with the other parents. It was a pretty good time and we all made new friends. Thanks Henry!







Now for some good and not so good news.

First the good news. I finished the baby's blanket before it arrives! Some of you may know Henry didn't get his blanket until just after his first birthday, so this is a big deal. Henry does steal away with the baby's blanket when he can, but I don't blame him. It's pretty comfy. I wish someone would make one for me.






Now the not so good news. Remember I told you all that Matt had submitted a piece to the RiverSculpture Festival in Asheville? Well, it was not accepted. Bummer, I know. Funny thing is, two people have come into the foundry and asked Matt if it was accepted and neither were surprised that it wasn't. One person said they weren't surprised because Matt's not a member of a certain artist's guild (I forget which) and the second person wasn't surprised because they said they (the judge's panel, I assume) don't put figurative work in that show. I actually was a little concerned about that because I couldn't recall seeing any figures in the show last year.
Oh well. They did ask him to submit again next year (they all say that, though).

He is off to the Bahamas again for a week at the end of August. He hopes to be submitting some ideas to them for some more sculptures, so keep those fingers crossed for us.