A wonderfully messy afternoon!

In the midst of all our packing, I decided to take the afternoon off . So today I bought Tara her very first set of paints...she absolutely loved them! What's not to love? Water + color +juicy paints = a wonderful mess! She painted her very first watercolor and I just loved the whole process of watching her explore, create and play. I simply allowed her to do whatever she wanted (short of putting paint in her mouth!!) and she was fascinated and delighted.Her eyes were full of wonder at seeing the puddles of water mixing with the paints.

I really hope to foster her creativity in every possible way. I hope to teach her to paint outside the lines, to think outside the box...to create her very own box (or triangle or circle! )...and most importantly...to listen to herSELF.To follow her heart...to be true.

Tara's very first painting! This one is going to get framed for sure!
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On a more serious note...today is Veterans Day and it is always a very difficult day for Tim. He has served his country as a combat veteran  for 23+ years and..there are so many memories and experiences that are so foreign to me; that I can't even fathom. It is a very sombre time for him...thinking of all the men he has lost...friends, comrades,brothers. I am so very proud of him.

                               (Arlington National Cemetery, Iwo Jima Memorial)