Long ago, when I had the time and energy, we used to take trips to museums galore.  Driving in New York City did not intimidate me and we often spent the day traipsing around.  With the arrival of our third child when our oldest was an wild active 5 year old,  even grocery shopping wore me out, which necessitated museums being placed into the “later” category.  Sadly, not everyone in my family enjoys museums.  Weep, weep.  We manage the big ones here and there but the attention span and the patience for detail is not a universal family quality.  Oh well.

When we met Gail and John several years ago, Gail told me how much she loved art of all kinds and had just happened upon a fantastic curator while at the National Gallery of Art. She ended up jumping in the tour and taking copious notes on all of the religious art.  Gail generously offered to take us on a tour and share her knowledge with us.  As the mother of four grown children, numerous grandchildren and a former kindergarten teacher, Gail is a natural with children . My children love whenever she and John come to visit.  Full of joy and smiles, she always brings a jigsaw puzzle and helps the girls get started.  John is equally as generous with his love and time, reading books to the little ones and happy to hold the baby.  They were crazy enough to invite us to spend the night so that we could get an early start in the morning for the museum tour.  The children were so excited!  When you have seven children, most people do not invite you over for dinner, let alone a sleep over!  Without telling the girls, I invited their BFF to join the fun and they were squealing with delight when she got into the car.  The evening was delightful and a treat for all of us.

The museum was a blast!  Gail was so knowledgeable and we all learned so much. Everyone is clamoring to return soon.

Daniel in the Lions’ Den.  I can relate.  This picture captures how I feel after a bad day of homeschooling while potty training.  Lord, please help me now!

This painting by Fra Angelico was like an I Spy.  We hunted for various images and then she told us what they symbolized.  For example, the peacock, the eagle, pheasant, pomegranate, the dog.

I have always loved Della Robbia but I did not know that his son was accomplished as well.  When we came home and attempted to research the characteristic blue that is most often present in his work, I realized that this guy isn’t the same as the the one I thought.  You know, the one that you see everywhere with the image of Our Lady, in white, the beautiful blue all surrounded by colorful fruit.  (Michael, if you are reading this, know that I have always wanted this outside.)   We are going to research why the dark blue is in everything.  Jane, can you help out here?

The day after our the museum, the younger children decided to have their own art show.  Here is the gallery of art work.

The blue guy is my favorite but I recused myself from the judging!

Thank you Gail and John for sharing your time, talent, and yourselves!  We appreciate your generosity!