TOPI BLACK: ~ Shooting Marbles, First Pets & Weaving Potholders ~

No Wii, no TV, no computers ... just a great day of togetherness.

As a child we spent countless hours shooting marbles during all seasons ... summer, autumn, winter & spring.

We thought it was important for the kid-lings to have this family fun togetherness for their childhood memories ... as Poppy gathered them on the floor to play. Now mind you, Mimi has done this also, barely able to get UP off the floor, chuckle! ... & what fun we've had.

Tatiana has wanted a 'pet' for a very long time. It was not feasible for them because of parents busy

schedules to have a cat or dog.

Brainstorm Mimi ... let's get fish. We finally got the approval from parents & off to the store for our first pets ... 0h what an experience of picking & choosing ...

Oh, mercy! decisions, DECISIONS!! Such a tough

moment ... a thousand choices later we FINALLY

have pets.

Ansel selected the biggest fattest goldfish ever!

I decided the kid-ling's needed to experience another craft from 'our' childhood days. We used to make these woven potholders as gifts.

Ansel showing off his pretty creation.

Tatiana with her partially blue beta ... she wanted a blue fish

& this was highlighted with purple & a wee bit of blue, so it
was as close as we could get. I think Jake is happy with his
new 'mom'.

As children we would make these potholders before Christmas & then sell them door to door to earn money for gifts. We were so proud of making beautiful colorful

potholders to show off to the buyers.

Tatiana showing off her season colored potholder ... she did spring, summer & fall ... I thought that was a pretty creative idea.