Second Grade Projects

So much has been going on in the last few weeks of the school year! My girls have been putting me to the test lately with all the projects. You know that is just an excuse to leave the laundry until later:)
     I have three things to add today, first is a project I did for Lily's teacher. Mrs. Porter taught both of my girls second grade and we just love her so much. Honestly I don't think they come any better than her. She inspires the children everyday and with that much wonderful energy I couldn't help but be inspired also. Each year she takes her children on a virtual walk to a city along the eastern coast, alternating between four different destinations. The kids keep track of real miles walked throughout the year and add them together to reach their goal.
    I ran across this idea on Martha Stewart that stitched a line on a map and thought I could make this work on a bigger scale for a gift to Mrs. Porter. This was such a pleasure to make and give to such a wonderful person, we have been truly lucky enough to have her teach our children and call her a friend.

I added a banner with the teachers name along the top of the map to make it hers. 

Personalized message printed on vellum

Home sweet home and each destination is marked with a gem and the four routes are stitched in different colors.

 Since I am talking about second grade I will add today's event. Lily and her class did research and presentation boards on American historical characters. Lily picked Abigail Adams and I enjoyed helping her research such a fine American woman. Along with this project they each needed to dress in character and pose as if they where statues in a wax museum. (Remember when I said what a great teacher she has? Such great ideas!) Here was the test for me and might I say "Thank goodness for historical pattern.". Now that Lily has this costume I think I'll be insisting on a historical halloween.