Who Knew Art Could be Such Fun?

5, 4, 3, 2, 1. This would typically end with blast-off, but I'm not talking about a space shuttle or even a rocket. It is the ages of Park's cousins that I was referring to, actually.

Can you imagine how fun it must be to have 5 humans related to you that are so close to your age? And that doesn't even account for two of the cousins who still fall in the "zero" category because their 1st birthdays are off in the distance. Now can you picture the trouble this bunch gets into when they are all together? Let's just say there is not a shortage of noise, excitement, fun, or messes!

So, when my mother-in-law told me about what God was laying on her heart, my response was, "Sign us up before you change your mind!"

This sweet woman, who has raised or is raising 5 children of her own, decided that she is going to take the 4 oldest grand kids (Park being the youngest), twice a month and cultivate a love for the arts in them.

Now, if you know my MIL this won't surprise you a bit. Not only is she a fabulously creative specimen of a human, but she is also as crafty as Martha Stewart. Combine a fierce love of her grand kids and culinary skills out the wazoo and you have the makings for a pretty exciting experience at Grandma's.

Park's invitation came in the mail a few weeks ago, asking him to come make special memories with his cousins while doing crafts, painting, sculpting, cooking, singing, dancing, stories, hiking, and other various artistic endeavors. But what I was most joyous to read was the portion that stated, "Mommies are not invited."

Well, twist my arm. FINE, I guess I can run errands for three blissful hours child-free. I mean, I would totally prefer to wrestle help my 2-year-old in and out of his car seat and battle him to stay in the stroller, of course, but if you insist....

So, tomorrow Park will return to Grandma's for his 2nd date and I will use my three hours of solitude to perfect my own art.

The Art of Shopping.