There were treats for the children who also were able to take a minute and color pictures which will be on display in the Northpark location. The beautiful images on the pages of Thisbe’s Promise sparked the creativity and their imaginations. It was a fun filled day for all involved.

The Northpark staff is truly blessed to have a new friend in Laurian Scott, thank you for sharing your creation with our children!

Of course you’ve checked out Peek’s nod to this holiday – but if you haven’t, they’re really great: Football-style jerseys for Washington and Lincoln, with big, bold numbers celebrating their place in line. Fun for boys or girls, if you ask us.

Researching these prezzies, we found some fun sartorial facts. Turns out Washington was more than just the man who would be king (but turned down the crown). He was also a Tim Gunn-worthy fashion plate. When he was in charge of the Virginia militia in the 1750s, he designed his soldiers’ uniforms himself, and was known for long, involved notes to his own tailors. First in war, first in peace — and first down the runway! Fierce!

Lincoln wasn’t as natty a dresser – come on, stovepipe hat? But we uncovered a neat story you might want to try out on your little historians: He didn’t grow his trademark beard until he got a letter from an 11-year-old girl named Grace Bedell, asking if he had any daughters and advising him to “let your whisker grow” because “your face is so thin.” He wrote back, worrying that he’d look silly suddenly growing a beard, but sure enough – the face-fuzz, it sprouted. Wonder if Obama would respond to a letter-writing campaign demanding a goatee?

Speaking of Presidential facial hair… We thought it’d be fun to come up with something you and the little Gipper can do together. The Internet is rife with homespun projects like make-your-own-stovepipe-hat or color-in-the-cherry-tree. So boring. We like this slideshow, hat-tip to Huffington Post. You can rate the ones you like best, use cotton balls to replicate your favorite looks, or Photoshop Chester A. Arthur’s muttonchops onto your kid’s school portrait!* ‘Stachetastic!

Of course, our favorite reference to every President except the current one is this song, by nerd-hero Jonathan Coulton. But we warn you: Preview it before you share it with anyone impressionable, because it’s a little blue (“James Monroe told Europe they could suck it…”). But it’s fun even if it’s for your ears only.

*If you really do this, will you please, please email us a copy?

So a few years ago, as my husband and I were talking about the power of community and the importance of community in our own lives and for us as a family, we started talking a lot about the power and growth of online communities. Knowing some that were very much a part of this world, and not at all understanding it, I quickly brushed it off, and probably made some sort of comment about not having enough time for the family and friends that were already an important part of my life. As time went on, and we focused on building Peek…Aren’t You Curious, we talked more and more about blogs, parenting sites, the connections that people were making and the inspiration and advice they often found.

So of course, as I often do, I opened my ears and eyes up to different recommendations and started reading ( and soon following ) a number of blogs. Next up, as I often do, I surprised myself and signed up for both a twitter account and a facebook page. Meeting, connecting and reconnecting with friends old and new.

Along the way, I found out what all the fuss was about. Through the days, weeks and months, of sharing, reading and experiencing I ended up meeting some of the most creative, inspired, funny, honest women I have ever met. Strange I think, as I look back, that some how, we gravitate to each other, sharing the joys and struggles of parenting, working,  being married, our friends, creative interests and ultimately life how this all happens.

Which, brings me to this post. First, I had the joy of seeing Carrie’s ( otherwise known as urban-babyphotography! ) work on a site that I admired..A well done website that a friend has for her amazing design business. Next up, reading her blog, and a recent getaway/photo shoot they had gone on together, I had the chance to see her work..then finally the introduction and finally the friendship. Knowing I think the whole time that what I most hoped is that we could one day work together… So as the months went along and we then decided to host holiday photo sessions in our stores to thank our customers for supporting us, I immediately reached out to Carrie.

The rest of the story speaks for itself. From the amazing support and time she gave to the project, to the calls securing the details..it was as I had hoped. A community of people, coming together to collaborate, create and become their best selves..take a peek

http://urban-baby.com/darkroom/share/?n=Peek_Montana
Thank you to Carrie ( and of course Kelley! ) for all that you’ve done and taught me along the way.

P.S.
In that small world way..turns out she is next door neighbors and good friends with an old colleague and friend from Lucky Brand Jeans !

Seriously, we would love to see you on November 12th and 13th between 9:00am-6:00pm.

Feel free to invite friends and family..they’ll thank you for it later :)