as i have said previously, ava is not really a 'drawing' sort of a girl. she likes to write, and she likes watercolor, but what she really loves doing is constructing. why do 2D when you can have 3D? an example is below. i had nothing to do with this. the grapefruit is there for size reference.





today, i introduced papier mache (that looks a bit too snooty. but paper mache isn't right.) anyway, i figured she would love it, but wowie. what a hit. AND: WHAT AN AMAZING MESS.



if you hand your child a stack of paper and say "here...rip this into small thin strips..." but do not clarify that you want it all in one location, be prepared for your house to resemble this:

and believe me, it was not limited to just this room. let's just say that after making cornbread, papIer mache, smoothies, plain ol' lunch, playdoh, and dinner, i had had more than enough of picking up and dishes.

the cornbread thing too--oh my god. not 10 minutes after waking, "mommy! can we make cornbread for breakfast??!!?" i think my groan was audible across the pond. i had consumed but one sip of my coffee. nevertheless, we did it, and SHE ATE IT. that is all i ask. i have no idea why she will eat this baked good, and no others save for gingersnaps, but whatever.

carter enjoyed the mess part of the day, other than getting the papIer mache glue on his hands, but did not partake. he preferred to sit with his coloring book -- and the crayons that ava has never used.