classy ladies

Today Madison and I hosted her "Ladies in Training Classic Literature Club".  It was their last meeting of the school year.  Eight families participate so it was our 8th meeting and here are 10 girls in the club!  The girls read 8 classic books during the course of the year and each monthly meeting is centered around that month's book.  The meeting time is spent discussing literary terms pertaining to the book, general discussion about the book, a homemaking skill, a "tea time", and parlor games.  

Since this month's book was Sarah, Plain and Tall, we had a fun discussion about historical fiction, themes, symbols, and the Newbery Medal.  The skill we learned about was letter writing - so the girls make cards and stationary.  We served stew, fresh bread, and homemade lemonade that Madison made from fresh lemons.  For dessert we enjoyed vanilla ice cream with strawberries.  

Madison is amazing.  All morning she worked to help clean and get ready.  She completely set the table, polished the silver to set on it (we used silver belonging to both her great grandmothers), arranged the centerpiece, and made the lemonade.  She also coordinated and cut out the paper, stickers, and other supplies for the card making.  Madison is a joyful and gracious host I think, making all her guests feel special and welcome with special touches like something to take home and place cards at their spot.  

Ryan dressed in nice black pants and a white shirt and served the girls while they at the table and discussed their book.  He very patiently brought them lemonade refills, stew seconds, and served their dessert.  I was proud of him - I didn't get a picture of him though - he was so handsome!  Allison was very torn between staying for the party and going to be with one of my dear friends whom she loves very much.  Allie chose Mrs. Mouer and was not disappointed since she got to go the park, bookstore, and get a free cookie at AJ's!  Jonathan was given absolutely no choice just like every other 4th kid in a family and cheerfully said "bye!" as I strapped him in the car seat to go. 

As you can see from the group photo Aslan enjoyed himself.  He joined in the book discussion and card making but was excused to the backyard during dinner.  He helped clean the butter dish after the girls left the table.  What a helpful dog!

So - now it is late and I must go to bed.  Now I can think of something besides genre, characters, tips for letter writing - menus, etc.  On to the laundry piled in my laundry room and whatever else was ignored this past week!