Driver's license, seals, and roller skates

This summer has been a lot of fun!  We are saving for Avery's college next year, so big trips are just not in the budget.  We decided to do some fun stuff close to home.  I had to go to San Antonio for a short business trip, so the family came along and the second day we all went to Sea World!  We had so much fun! There were some new seal pups and they were so cute!  We got to watch one nurse from its mommy. Unfortunately, I forgot the camera!  UGGH!

Avery, my oldest, got her first job this summer.  She is working at The Artist Within as an assistant.  It's all day and it's hard work.  I'm really glad she has gotten the opportunity to experience a job.  A lot of my friend's children have had a hard time finding a job!  She got the job so that she could save money for a down payment on a car.  We went to the DPS a few weeks before school was out to try and get her license.  The people at that particular one were so rude!  Everyone looked like they hated being there and the lady that drove with Avery was very intimidating!  Needless to say, she failed her test!  She was so upset!  So, we signed her up for another drive time, but that wouldn't be for another month!!!
Not to drag you through the entire emotional experience, it took her 4 times to actually get her license!  We finally had to go out to the country where the people were much nicer so that she would not get so nervous.  I am happy to say that she now has her license!  Thank God!

I also got a really cool birthday gift this summer.  My husband bought me a drafting table for my studio and I love it!  I had taken a break from art for a little bit, but once I got the table I was ready to jump back in.  Here's a sketch I did the other day.  My reference was a picture of my youngest, Addison, but I changed it a bit.  I made the eyes bigger and lips more full.  I didn't want an exact replica of the picture.  I'm really pleased with how it turned out.  The artist Michael Shapcott was my inspiration.  He's an artist I recently found and love his work!

Anyways, I actually took a week off of work this summer and just hung-out with Addison.  Avery had to work, so we just played games and went to the pool.  I also took her roller skating!  Hadn't done that in years and I figured my body would remember what to do.  Wrong!  It was really hard!  And I was super sore the next day, but we had such a good time.  In just a few weeks, Addison will start Middle School, so I have to try and cram in a little more time with her.  When Avery started Middle School everything just flew by and I woke up one day to a teenager about to head off for college!  So, I know Addison's teen years will fly by a little faster. 

Let me see your peacock....

When I created this handsome peacock, I couldn't help but sing Katy Perry's song Peacock in my head.  My daughter was mortified when I started singing it at the dinner table.

I know that's not the most appropriate song for the dinner table, but in my house nothing is off limits....especially during dinner.  Rarely does an entire meal go by without someone mentioning poop or other bodily functions.

My husband has learned to live with it over the years and has actually joined in during a few of our disgusting dinner time discussions.

Anyways, here's the latest!

Beanie Chimp

So, I have really enjoyed drawing animals.  I usually stick to girls, but when I decided to draw the giraffe I was really inspired.

People love animals.  People love animals more when they are wearing or doing people stuff!  Not sure why, but it's true.

Here's my little chimp wearing his cool knit beanie!  He's kind of a skater chimp.

Not sure what I'll do for my next drawing/painting.  Thinking about maybe a meerkat or otter.  I mean who doesn't like otters?

Any suggestions?

Side note:  My 16 year old daughter started work this week.  She works at The Artist Within as an assistant.  Her hours are from 9am to 4pm.  Tuesday she worked from 9am to 6:30 pm.  On day three, when we pulled up to the school she burst into tears!  She said..."I'm so tired.  Working is hard!"  I just had to laugh.  It is so funny seeing her get her first taste of the "real world."  By day 5 she was much better, though.  I'm so proud of her!