You guys have heard me talk before about my feelings on cultivating imagination in my kids, and how important I believe it is to allow them to express themselves creatively in their own ways. When I received Essley's end-of-year progress report in preschool and it stated that she had a "very active imagination" that "led them on many adventures," I simultaneously laughed (because that could mean so many things) and beamed with pride. It also said that art projects and playing with play dough were her favorite activities. Reading these things made me appreciate her teachers even more than I already did, knowing that they celebrated her imagination and creative spirit.
Because of my own love for the arts and strong opinions on encouraging kids to express their imaginations in artistic ways, it's one of my greatest joys to watch my little ones create. Now that Emmett is reaching an age where he's starting to enjoy coloring and art projects as well, the two of them often color together. They love crayons and coloring books, sidewalk chalk, markers and construction paper, and just about anything that involves making art. And there is truly nothing better than watching them experiment with color combinations and shapes and their own special drawings. Both Robbie and I love to join in too!
We encourage Essley and Emmett to do whatever they feel like doing when it comes to art and creative expression, and we wholeheartedly embrace the concept of coloring outside the lines. That is why I'm such a huge fan of Minnetonka's new collaboration with Lindsay Stewart of Free Range Mama, which features a hand painted collection of fun, colorful paint splattered moccasins that celebration young imaginations and the people who help nurture them. Throughout the month of August, a portion of the proceeds from this limited edition Minnetonka x Free Range Mama collection will help fund classroom projects in partnership with DonorsChoose.org, an absolutely wonderful organization that allows teachers from public schools in need to post classroom projects requests and receive donations.
As your kids head back to school, purchasing shoes from Minnetonka's new limited edition collection is a great way to help give back - while also sporting the coolest shoes around, right along with your kids! These shoes are unique, fun, expressive, and on trend. Essley jumped up and down with joy when she opened her box of her hot pink Splash Fringe Boots. I admittedly also jumped up and down once or twice when I first put on my Splash Gabi Shoes, if we're being honest here. And Essley, Emmett, and I have been wearing our matching shoes nonstop. More than anything, it's been a really neat experience to explain to Essley how these shoes help schools in need, and to see her embrace the concept of giving back.
You can read more about the Minnetonka x Free Range Mama collection and the inspiration behind it right here. Here's to a season full of classroom creativity, and a lifetime of coloring outside the lines!
The post is in partnership with Minnetonka. Thank you for supporting the brands that help make Bubby and Bean possible.
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These pictures are adorable as are the shoes. Such a great cause too!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun set of photos! And those pink paint spattered booties are so cute! We live in a cul-de-sac and I often have to smile when I see a few kids create whole imaginative scenes on the pavement with chalk.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, those Minnetonkas are just the cutest ever! Such a fun collaboration and I love seeing all three of you wear pairs from the collection that suit your own style - because I am positive that along with her active imagination, Essley has her own style and I'm sure Emmett is well on his way to having his own, too!
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Cee
Cutest shoes and most adorable family!
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