Things to Make - Firework Painting

The 4th of July seemed to sneak up on us this year. Last week we were still celebrating days without school, when I suddenly realized our nation's birthday was right around the corner. So, in order to generate some holiday spirit, we painted fireworks (idea via my pinterest summer files).

Here's the scoop: (materials - pipe cleaners, paint, dark colored construction paper, glitter (optional), and oil pastels or crayons)

1. Ask the kids to draw a night skyline onto a piece of dark construction paper (we used oil pastels, but crayons would also work).

2. Take four pipe cleaners, fold them in half, twist the bottom portion to create a handle, and then fan the ends to make a star shape (click this awesome blog for more detailed instructions).

3. Add paint (and/or glitter).

4. Create.

(Note - If you don't have any pipe cleaners, you can also use cut toilet paper rolls for a similar effect).

T absolutely LOVED this project, he painted and painted and painted. The girls created a few fireworks and then decided they'd rather avoid the mess and just draw their explosions, which was fine too. I just wanted some seasonal art to decorate the kitchen.

Places to Go - Sunset Celebration at Mt. Vernon (Alexandria, VA)

Happy almost 4th of July! In honor of the holiday, I decided to end the week with a presidential post. Hence, Mt. Vernon. We've visited Mt. Vernon before (click here to read about it), but a few weekends ago we took the kids to a Sunset Celebration on the property and it felt so nice to watch dusk fall over the grounds while drinking wine and eating cheesecake (as the kids rolled down the big hill). Seriously gorgeous. Unfortunately, Mt. Vernon is rarely open in the evening hours. But on the 4th they host a daytime fireworks display which I've heard good things about - free cake and a band accompany the pyrotechnics (click here for the info). Further, in late September the estate hosts its Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour, which provides a great opportunity to see the grounds at night.

For more 4th of July suggestions Go Out and Play! has a great roundup of Arlington area events and KidFriendly DC has info on additional events. Whatever you decide to do, I hope your 4th if full of random, beautiful moments. See you next week!!



I love big old trees, there's something magical about them. The couple in period costume doesn't work for the estate, they just dress like that for fun, which made me like them. Sometimes I wonder what random hobbies Dan and I will adopt when the kids grow up and move away. Probably not costumes, but you never know.


The glowing lanterns everywhere really made the night.