Finishing School

When Aubree gets together with her friends, they're just as likely to be sewing as to be playing.  We parents jokingly refer to them as the "old ladies."  When the school year was ending, and summer beckoned near and free, we decided it would be fun to organize a few sewing and cooking classes for them.  We tossed around a few name ideas ("Old Lady School" received a big fat "NO!," and  though "Princess Academy" was quite popular, it was vetoed because we wanted boys to participate in a certain way) before finally deciding on "Finishing School."

Aubree had three sewing classes taught by her friend's mom (who did a pretty spectacular job).  The first week the girl's made reversible headbands, the second week they made skirts, and the final week they made purse-bags.  Aubree loved every single second of those classes.  Not only did she get to spend long periods of time with her best buddy and use a real sewing machine, she came home with impressive final products.  

She's especially fond of the skirt and wears it at all possible opportunities (don't be surprised to see it again on First Day of School photos).  

While the girls did sewing (and the "babies" napped), I took the other siblings and had crafts and activities special for them.  

While they were excited to try new things, they were equally happy to have long stretches of play time.  

When the sewing classes finished, I took a turn teaching the big girls (cooking this time), and the other mom took the younger siblings.  The girls were so enthusiastic about making their own pancakes and quesadillas and brownies...

but I think they liked making cinnamon rolls best of all.

Ever since the cooking classes, Aubree has been over-eager to help in the kitchen.  "What are you making for dinner?" she asks, "Can I make something?"  I call that a win-win.