Children
Pattison’s Academy Educates and Rehabilitates
Posted on August 25, 2010
Several years ago, some dedicated parents, social workers, therapists, and teaching assistants came together to host a unique summer camp catering to the needs of children with multiple and severe disabilities. Their goal to create a year-round charter school serving these same children was lofty to say the least, but with the tireless support of an enthusiastic community, talented fundraisers and passionate board members, their vision has become a fantastic reality!
Yesterday, the community came together to celebrate the opening of this amazing school. Speakers included Pattison’s mom Pam Sloat, executive director Sloan Cooper and Mayor Joe Riley. Beth and Darius Rucker joined some of the students to cut the ribbon and welcome the community to tour the classrooms. Beth has been on the board since its inception, and the Hootie and the Blowfish Foundation made key contributions to Pattison’s Academy.
Like other schools in Charleston County, Pattison’s Academy opened its doors August 18. It was truly humbling to be surrounded by the people who have made this happen and to meet the children, the teachers, the founders and the local people who have provided funding, energy, transportation and a wonderful facility. My words are truly inadequate to describe yesterday’s celebration full of hope and joy, but I am grateful for the dedication and generosity of my friends and our community to engage 32 children with playing, learning and laughing every day.
Charleston Museum Birthday Bash {Carolina Photosmith}
Posted on August 9, 2010
I’m finally catching up with editing some personal photos, and I had to share about the great party we had for my daughter’s sixth birthday! A Charleston July is way too steamy for a traditional backyard celebration, so we look for indoor fun or watery experiences. This year’s Charleston Museum birthday party was so much fun! “America’s first museum” offers a variety of themes for boys and girls, but I knew when I read about the history doll theme that it would be a great fit since my gal was counting on receiving Lanie, the American Girl doll who is all about nature in her backyard.
The museum staffers hadn’t met Lanie before, but they created the perfect morning for us. We started in the classroom checking out various Lowcountry animals and learning about some of their habits. Next, the girls painted beautiful butterflies and decorated binoculars for exploring at home. We went on a scavenger hunt in the museum, stopped in the children’s section to dress up, then carried on to the impressive Natural History Hall. After all that learning, it was time to hydrate, sing to Cidney and enjoy cupcakes. The museum even provided balloons and goody bags. Only a couple of Cid’s guests had attended a party here before, and we can’t recommend it enough! Also, it was surprisingly affordable for an off-site adventure. In fact, all of their children’s programs look interesting, so we’ll be joining the museum this year to take advantage of all the great exhibits and special programs.
Babycakes! {Charleston Baby Photographer}
Posted on July 30, 2010
I learned several things while photographing this handsome boy just after his first birthday:
1) Boyish colors are not always enticing on a cake. (In fact, orangey-red and gold look like ketchup and mustard!)
2) Vegan cakes, while allergen-free, are not enticing to little people. (Or to big people: bring on the buttercream.)
3) Chocolate, on baby’s hands and near baby’s diaper, does not look so much like chocolate.
4) A fair-skinned, plumpalicious babe and the magnificent afternoon light in my sideyard trump all of the above.
Look at gorgeous Maguire! Who cares if he approached his questionable cake cautiously? He was so happy and content. Thankfully, he recovered quickly from his cake-induced meltdown. Speaking of cakes, it’s too bad you can’t see the 4-layer fondant cake his mom and grandmama made for his cowboy b-day party. (They live a few hours from Charleston, so I didn’t see it in person either, but wow!)
Thanks again for everyone’s participation in the cake smash baby contest, and congrats to Maguire!
