art and FIXMIX

Isaac's wheels are turning. This morning he asked me:

Do stingrays lay their eggs underwater? 

How do you make an engine? 

What makes a fire truck go?

While I believe every question can be answered in an age appropriate way, sometimes the questions I get asked challenge my creativity. But these boys are sharpening my ability to think fast! I need to start carrying a little notebook with me so I can write down the funnier comments in the moment.

They put their creativity to the test last month and made a ton of ornaments for our tree and all their grandparents. We've been making ornaments every year since Finnian was a baby and our tree is finally getting full with these little homemade creations. They were so proud to see their work displayed in such a public way and I love opening that box and unwrapping each treasure one by one. Here are some from this year, including the driftwood/shell/clay/popsicle stick/pipe cleaner ones:

Xavier painted on some felt and I sewed up a quick initial for his contribution:

We also put together a mix for the cousins of all the boys' favorite songs from the year. Here it is, FIXMIX 2011:

Real in Rio, Rio

ABC, Jackson 5

Hulahoop to da Loop, Kellar Williams

Deep in the Heart of Texas, Patriotic Songs of America

Caterpillar Caterpiller, Kira Willey

You've Got a Friend in Me (Para el Buzz Espanol), Gipsy Kings

Bumblebee, The Laurie Berkner Band

Hot Wings, will.i.am

Little Sack of Sugar, Elizabeth Mitchell

Friday, Glee Cast

Float On, Modest Mouse

I Want You Back, Colby Caillat

The Rattling Can, Key Wilde & Mr. Clarke

The Little Engine that Could, The Hollow Trees

Take You to Rio, Ester Dean

Little by Little, Many Hands

Oklahoma, Original London Cast

Obsessed by Trucks, Justin Roberts

Thank God I'm a Country Boy, John Denver

Rocky Top, Charlie Daniels

What songs/artists do your kids like? We are always looking for new material without horrible lyrics! 

It's tricky sometimes.