American Girl Place Meet Up!

Cafe Place Setting

Back this year, by popular demand, is our American Girl Place Meet Up!  At the end of summer, the girls and their families and friends are invited to join me at the American Girl Place for a fun day of activities.

This year, we are meeting on August 30 for the Be Forever launch event and afternoon tea.  Be Forever is what they are calling the revamped historical dolls.  I've seen some of the new designs and they are colorful and cheery. 

Details will be emailed to those families who have RSVP'd.  Unfortunately, due to the reservations policy, only those who have pre-paid will be able to attend afternoon tea.  However, the store is hosting numerous free activities from 1-3pm that day.

Week 4: School's Out for Summer!

Camp Half-Blood Treats

Summer School has finally come to an end.  Be sure to check out the final pictures in the flickr gallery!

For the last week, Camp American Girl learned from gymnast (and struggling reader) McKenna that you shouldn't be afraid or embarrassed to seek help.   The All American Girls learned about women's suffrage and child labor in the turn of the century from Samantha Parkington. 

In Camp Half-Blood, we finished up the summer with a new camp bead, laurels, and of course, a photo shoot featuring our latest creations from the forge.  Pictured, at left, are some of the Percy Jackson related foods enjoyed by the campers: blue foods, grapes, cheese, and Double-Stuffed Oreos (courtesy of Ares, God of War). 

Finally, our little chefs in Book Cooks whipped up some Chili Dogs for the Pigeon and Banana Splits with Curious George.  Passport to Cuisine students learned how to make the Hawaiian classic, Spam Musubi as well as Pico de Gallo for all your favorite Mexican dishes. 

Well, that's it folks!  Good luck in the fall and hope to see some of you back next summer!

Week 3 Wrap-Up!

4th of July cupcakes from Week 2

I'm happy to say that I got a new card reader and the pictures from both Week 2 and 3 are now all posted on flickr.  Click the hyperlink to go to the albums.  As a reminder to browse the pictures, I have sent home a note with a little job for the students.  Simply look up the album for your class/es (American Girl, Camp Half-Blood, or Cooking) and fill in the blank with the number of pictures in the album/set.  Have a parent initial it and bring it back next week for a bonus point.  Parents, look for the blue half-sheet.

In Week 3, Camp American Girl continued with the Isabelle series, reading Designs by Isabelle.  We made tiaras and tutus for our dolls as well.  All American Girls read Meet Addy, about a young girl who escapes slavery during the Civil War, after her father and brother are sold to another plantation, tearing their family apart.  A girl like Addy would have had few toys, perhaps a doll made of scraps.  We used scrap pieces of paper to create our own "Ida Bean" dolls.

Camp Half-Blood opened up its armory to allow students to forge their own swords and shields.  We are just about at the 300 page mark in The Lightning Thief, and still going strong!  In our spare time, we might practice our Greek or study the Gods.  A note went home regarding permission to watch the Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief movie, please review the Parental Guide and return the permission slip as soon as possible.

In Book Cooks, we made a variety of dishes, from Stone Soup to On Top of Spaghetti (and Meatballs), and even Festive Fried Rice in a Runaway Wok.  Passport to Cuisine traveled to Asia this week, whipping up such exotic fare as Es Chendol from Indonesia and a refreshing Mango Lassi from India.

Stay tuned next week for more adventures!  Three weeks down, one to go!  Friday is the last day of summer school, get ready for the end of session celebrations.

Meet Laurence Yep

American Girls!  Here's your chance to meet the author of 2014 Girl of the Year Isabelle's book series!  Laurence Yep will be signing Isabelle books at the American Girl Place at The Grove on Saturday, August 9, from 11:00am-1:00pm.  Mr. Yep is a well-known children's book author, having written over 60 books.  The signing is free, and they have books available for purchase.  Before you go, think of some questions you might like to ask about the books!

I Need a New Card Reader

Unfortunately, my camera's memory card reader decided to stop working this weekend, but I have ordered a new one, so it'll be a few days before I can post pictures of Week 2.  Check back next week!

In Camp American Girl, we started reading about Isabelle, 2014 Girl of the Year.  Isabelle is an aspiring ballerina and designer who is adjusting to a new arts school as well as living in her older sister's shadow.  The All American Girls experienced immigration and the pioneer movement via the story of Kirsten Larson, a girl who left behind her life in Sweden for a farm in Minnesota.  

In Camp Half-Blood, the quest is finally underway, with Percy and his trusted companions meeting "Aunty Em" on their way to the gates of the Underworld...Los Angeles.  

The Book Cooks whipped up all kinds of goodies, from deliciously plain buttercream to wormy spaghetti, and even crispy wasp stings on buttered toast!  Passport to Cuisine sampled food from Africa, the Middle East, and Australia.  I'm gonna guess that the Vegemite was their least favorite...at least we can say we've tried it!

We are now at the half way point and time is just flying by!  Hope everyone is enjoying the Independence Day holiday, see you all Monday!