Ava and I had such a good day together this past Monday! After we took G to his summer program, we ran a few errands, got a haircut for Ava, and then headed into NE Minneapolis to check out the Immersive Van Gogh experience. I wasn't 100% sure where we were going, but we found it without issue (as well as an easy place to park. That's where I get grumpy...if parking isn't available!) We stayed for about an hour, watched the experience the full way through, and then did a little bit of shopping at the gift shop.
New haircut!
One of my co-workers/friends went last weekend, and said it was a great way to introduce the art to someone who may not normally go to a museum. I concur! I do not enjoy going to art museums, so this was a wonderful way to experience the art, in a non-traditional way. There was a specific pairing of an art piece (Morning: Going Out to Work) with a beautiful song (Edith Piaf - Non, je ne regrette rien), and it moved me to the point where I wanted to start crying. I very rarely have those reactions to art in a museum. I think it was the combo of music + art that really boosted the feeling.
After we removed ourselves from Van Gogh's mind, we headed to the MoA and did some serious shopping for a few hours. It was fun going to the different stores with her, and learning about the types of things that she is drawn to. Our trip on Monday set the stage for her trip back to the MoA on Friday...she went with the Y! And came home with items purchased that made her look like a teenager in the '90's. Super weird, since that's when Scott and I were teens. But, she's happy with her purchases, and that is all that matters. Plus, she had fun with friends on Friday, so that's a pretty close second.
Bucket hat ✔ Choker/tattoo necklace ✔ Sullen expression ✔
Yep, child of the '90's!
Ava and I also helped chalk words of encouragement to teachers and staff at G's elementary school on Wednesday night. There is so much anger and division over the mask mandates (and schools in general, right now), that we wanted to show our support. Being a teacher isn't easy (I know neither Scott nor I could do it), and the position they have been put into the last 1.5 years has been increasingly difficult. Ugh.
G had a great week, too...his Y group went to Minnehaha Falls (not much water in the falls at that point), and also Good Times Park (an indoor play park in the area.) Plus, he and I went to his Open House and met his 2nd grade teacher on Thursday night. He also met his locker buddy, and found out that he has a few extra friends in his class. I hope he has a fantastic year!
On Friday, the neighbor across the street texted to see if G wanted to go to Rockin' Jump (a trampoline park) for 90 minutes that afternoon. Um, yeah!! He had so much fun jumping with Abigail (who was in his class last year...and this year, too!) He was so exhausted, he had to sneak in a nap before dinner.
Next week is their last week of the Y summer programs, and then they both head back to school, in person, full-time on Wednesday, September 8. Ava actually has to go in for two half days next week (all middle schoolers have to do that) and she is not looking forward to it. I think it'll be a great way to ease back into the school setting, at a reduced "speed" for a few days. She figured out she has three classes with a friend of hers, so that'll make it a bit easier to be back in school, too.
As long as the weather holds, I have plans tonight to meet up with a few co-workers. One of them I haven't seen since March 2020, so I'm really looking forward to catching up for a bit!
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