Spa Party

Helene got the idea from a Littlest Pet Shop Party Planning book to host a spa party.  So, today was the big day.  She invited her two best friends over, and we started with lunch.  It was only mac&cheese, chips, and fruit, but it was served from a tea tray, and Helene made a menu and namecards for the girls.

This was followed by popsicles in the shade on a picnic blanket.
The girls made their own bubble bath and lip gloss (recipes were in the party planning book) and decorated the containers.

After that, we put on some classical music and went to the massage parlor.  One girl would lie on the blanket on the floor while I rubbed her back and the other two lounged on the couch in the waiting area.  Each girl, while receiving her massage, proceeded to "break wind" on me (as Helene put it).  They thought that was pretty funny.  Then, they all decided to lick their armpits. (?!?)  Oh well, at least they don't take being girly-girly too seriously.  They are only 6, after all.
Helene used her own money to buy these baskets and a couple of party favor spa-type items from Target's dollar section.  The girls decorated them by weaving ribbons through the holes.  All in all, it was a fun, successful party.  Now I need to go paint their nails and then send them home . . .

Sunset Train

Last night, I was running an errand around 8:20 p.m. and noticed how incredibly beautiful the sunset was, especially by the rail road crossing near our house.  A train has been parked there for weeks.  Some people find it annoying, but I think it's picturesque.  So tonight at sunset, I went out to the tracks to take some pictures.  For the longest time, I had not felt the creative urge to photograph.  Today, with the sunset and the lightning storm, I couldn't resist grabbing my camera.  I'm glad my inspiration is back (probably my muse is otherwise known as "summer").

zoo camp

The kids attended zoo camp last week and had a great time.  These pictures are from the last day of camp.  I had a chance to see Campbell's small group presentation.  They had set up a station in front of the elephant exhibit and were available to answer questions any zoo patrons had about elephant facts and to share their group's ideas on how the habitat could be improved.

This bear is smiling because he has been gnawing on a huge bone for the past few minutes (cow femur?).  It was fun to watch but a little creepy to hear the bone crack when his jaws snapped through it.


All parents were invited to watch the wildlife show at the end of the day, which concluded with the kids singing songs about animals and what they had learned during the week.  This camp was right up Helene's alley.  She can tell you all about how animals communicate using scent, patterns, sounds, etc.  




Anytime Helene spots me across a distance, she gives me the "I love you" sign.  :)  Can you see her here?



Campbell was hiding in the back row of his group.  He doesn't like to sing much.  But he was proud of the tie-dyed doo-rag he made.