Art Critics

The other day we went on a field trip to the Virginia Museum of fine arts with our awesome homeschool group. It was the first time I had taken the hooligans to any type of museum, much less a museum where there are people who can be considered "critics". I was a little afraid of how it was going to go when we got there. It has been a crazy morning, it was raining, I was stressed out, I have four kids, they climb on furniture...not the type of people you want to take to the museum. Typically.

I was blown away by how well things went, however. Especially Jericho, who walked around the museum with his little notebook not making any noise or breaking anything or falling down any stairs or irritating any siblings or even talking about poop. Talking about poop is his favorite hobby...Not exactly art critic material.

I decided to overlook the fact that he laid on the floor in front of every piece of art that we were studying. Sometimes you just gotta silence your inner germaphobe long enough to keep the peace. And I really wasn't wanting to mess with a good thing. He even drew little pictures in his notebook. It was pretty cute. I can't imagine the things he would get away with if he was that well behaved all the time.

There were a few instances of hooligans not appreciating the art. There was one piece that was made out of old car parts, and Merrick was sure to point out that it was a piece of junk. Although thankfully it wasn't very loudly. There was one #tearsofshae incident where she wanted to write all the Japanese characters on a particular painting. I'm sorry I haven't taught you Japanese yet, dear. I'm obviously a homeschooling failure. ;)

It really was a fun trip, though, and I LOVE how they enjoy the weekly art study we do. This was an awesome way for them to experience art first hand, and I was thrilled they enjoyed it. We will definitely make a point to go back. (But maybe not before I've taught Tirzah Japanese. Tears of Shae are no joke.) As hard as homeschooling is, it's equally as rewarding to see them loving to learn and getting to be a part of it.