25/52

Late again, and I couldn't choose just one of any of them this week.
The Elder - Always on the move
The Younger - Spinning
The Youngest - thought she'd see what it was like to dip her head in a mud puddle.
Joining Jodi for 52 Portraits.

Visiting the Big City

I spent the last 3 days on a whirlwind tour of Chicago with The Singers.
We were invited to perform at Ravinia Festival, the oldest outdoor music festival in the United States.
The Singers gave two concerts, one in a lovely church in Highland Park,

and a second in the Martin Theatre on the grounds of Ravinia.

We performed Rachmaninoff's All-Night Vigil (which is kind of a misnomer since it really only takes a little more than an hour) and even though I was pretty terrified about singing in Russian when I first saw the music about 2 and a half months ago, it was a never-to-be forgotten experience and I am so happy to have been a part of it.

Along with all the singing I was able to squeeze in a little sight-seeing.

Here's me in the white sweater over the red dress, trying to make a good photo with my Kindle. Not the most intuitive design for picture-taking.
We rode a bus to and from Chicago, so as a bonus I was able to knit my sweater up to the armholes, and start on a sleeve, as well as finishing two books and reading further into A Dance With Dragons.
What a trip! A perfect ending to a great season.

24/52

Whew, that week flew by!
I was working in the mornings teaching a kid's sewing camp, and I don't know about you all out there, but I have a real problem mustering up the energy to blog when I also have work.
In addition to the camp, I had a call-back for The Singers on Tuesday, my piano studio had a recital on Wednesday and on Thursday I went to the final rehearsal of Rachmaninoff's All-Night Vigil which we'll be singing in Chicago next week.
Further, I came down with mastitis on Thursday (though I am on the mend now), so I have had a wild and woolly week.
I did manage to snap a few shots of the kiddos at the playground last night, which felt good.

The Elder - Jumping (sorry I cut off your head, my lady)
The Younger - Jumping
The Youngest - Tunnel
Joining Jodi for 52 portraits.

23/52

The Youngest - Hanging out with Mr. Monkey.

The Younger and The Elder - Ridiculous last-day-of-school sundaes.

Joining Jodi for 52 Portraits.

Teacher Gifts

A high-school friend of mine is a jewelry making maven, and she posted the link to a tutorial for these bracelets the other week.
Since I have already made The Younger's teacher all of my go-to gifts over the past 2 years that The Elder had her, I thought it would be fun to try something new this time around.
I went to a local bead shop (which I just learned a couple of days ago is our only local bead shop as the other one closed in January, boo) and got the materials.
The Younger and the Elder both chose a few beads to add as embellishment and The Elder and I whipped these up last night.

These were so easy that I as a complete jewelry-making novice, and The Elder, a 9-year-old, were able to make totally presentable gifts.

They were quite appealing to The Youngest as well, here she is 'helping; with our photo shoot.

They were so fun and easy, I made a third one, and then another bracelet for myself and with the extras I made this super simple necklace

Who Wore it Better?

What a flimsy excuse to show cute pics of my ladies ;)

22 of 52

The Elder waiting at the starting line for the end of year Fun Run.
The Younger, hot and sweaty.
The Youngest, playing in the park in the glorious sunshine.
Joining Jodi for 52 portraits.