The Thomasfolks »

I had never been to the Frist Center before, but today was the County Art show, and Torin and her friend Abigail both knew several of the student artists from their school.  Since admission was free, we decided to go check it out (plus we were hoping to score major brownie points with their art teacher, who was there keeping track of the kids who came in). 

First, we checked out the student work.  There were many beautiful paintings, chalk drawings, and photographs in the exhibit, and the girls really enjoyed looking at all of different artwork.  Then we wandered back to the main floor and perused the “Masterpieces of European Painting” exhibit.  It consisted of quite a few naked women, which caused Torin & Abigail to giggle uncontrollably.  (Sorry boys, I was not allowed to take pictures on that floor.)

Finally, we stumbled across the really cool children’s area.  We knew it was cool because Gwyneth Paltrow showed up with her kids there last week, and I’m pretty sure Gwyneth doesn’t do anything that’s not cool.  (In case you’re wondering, she’s in town shooting a movie.)

The children’s area was a blast.  We could’ve stayed all afternoon.  The girls got to paint, draw, and create some really fun stuff.

Hopefully she’s not trying to replicate some of those nudie European paintings that we saw in the main exhibit…

After painting, the girls took turns drawing each other’s faces on plexiglass.

Yep.  Looks just like Abigail.

By the time we left, I was worn out.  But of course the girls were wound tight and acting as goofy as ever.  Getting a serious picture out of them was impossible.

Bright disco lights were flashing.  Queen was blaring over the speakers.  Our friends were rockin’ the limbo game.  We took the kids roller skating for the first time this morning, and I felt just like I did when I was 12.  (Except now my back hurts, my ankles are sore, and my arm is stiff.  Funny, I don’t remember those side effects back in 1987.)

Nothing brings the neighborhood out like a good snowstorm!  Despite all of the shoveling (where’s the Aleve?), we had a wonderful time this morning with all of the people on our street who came out to play!  We are especially thankful for the two kids across the road who are the same ages as Torin and Parker.  They definitely  know how to party with a few pool toys, a rubber raft, some duct tape, and a box lid.  It was sledding, Tennessee style!  :)