Our Budding Artist

Alex got this digital camera from his Grandma Gail last Christmas but wasn't ready to use it until recently. As you can see, he's trying to get all the latest angles and the best light! Plus, his latest hobby is coloring ALL the TIME. He is always saying, "I have to do my homework before...(he eats, takes a nap, goes to school)". I don't know where he would have gotten the word "homework from." (Just kidding.) Poor kid is stuck with a mom that will always be a teacher.

Well, Alex and I are spending the day being artists. I'm sure I will spend the day cleaning up while he is the artist. We had found a monkey mask in the $1 bin at Michaels to paint. But of course, I hate messes especially things like painting and playdough. I was a 1st and a 2nd grade teacher for a total of 5 years, so I rarely try these items with Alex unless we're outside. Well, I gave it a try this morning and here are the results.
Before
To say the least, I had gotten some Elmer's Paintastics paintbrushes which have the paint inside the brush. It seems more like a marker but has a paintbrush tip and makes painting much easier for little ones. Alex really seemed to enjoy them! And for myself, less mess to clean up...no paint cups spilling over, no paint dripping off the paintbrushes onto the floor or clothes, just wash your little one's hands and you're done! I know I'm beginning to sound like a commericial for these super paintbrushes, but remember I've been there and had to clean up some big messes as a teacher. Alex was having so much fun painting that after he finished his monkey mask he wanted to continue to paint. Some finger painting paper from Target (my favorite store, of course) and he made two more masterpieces. Won't daddy be so proud that we had this great painting adventure in the living room and there was no mess! (Just a tip: Don't try this at home without adult supervision or should I say "responsible" supervision.)
After