I've thought about writing this all week and tried to think of a way I could somehow convey what Crafting Community at The Ace was like in one post...and really, I feel like it's kind of impossible. I'm going to try though, and share a million photos (seriously, there's a lot!), and wish you all had been there with me. Next time, I hope! And this is kind of a bold statement, but this might have just been one of the best weekends I've ever had with Henry- it was really, really special, and I think even more so because we carved the time out just for him. My Mom watched Charlie for the weekend, and as guilty as I initially felt about leaving him behind, I felt a million times better when I saw just how much Henry enjoyed having a special weekend with Mommy and Daddy, just for him. It was awesome. And as we drove away on Sunday I looked back at our little guy and he had tears in his eyes. I asked him why he was sad, and he said "I just don't want it to end." I feel you, kid.
To me, Crafting Community was like a big summer camp for kids and adults, with something for every single person. I wasn't too sure what to expect going in- I'm not a super crafty person, nor do I like to feel obligated to spend an entire day following a schedule someone else has set. But let me tell you, when I say "something for everyone" that really is the case. And all of the "somethings" are so easy-breezy that you do it all at your own pace, when you feel like it...no pressure. And you know how sometimes you leave a vacation and need a vacation? Not this time. I think because they built in these little pockets of time for the adults amidst all of the family acitivities, like the Mama Dance Party, numerous workout classes (with babysitting available!), or even just meeting up with friends as your kiddos napped, all of the parents got to get some "me" time in too.
We crafted, we swam, we ate delicious food, we danced with glowsticks. I Soul-Cycled, we all played Bingo, and Hank and I enjoyed hanging out on the patio after Henry went to sleep. There were times I looked around during the weekend and was struck with what an amazing thing it was, to get all of these families together who have the same goal in mind- to love more and love harder, create art and have fun with each other. It was pretty powerful to be around that kind of energy and I left feeling incredibly inspired.
A couple of things:
1. Although we left Charlie behind, babies of all ages were present. Henry is 4 1/2 and was the perfect age to craft, but there were younger kids sitting on parents' laps or being worn in Ergos, families that would divide and conquer (one parent with each kid), and overall I would say this is a wonderful event for families with kids of any age.
2. The Ace Hotel is SO great. We've gone there to eat before, and also used their photobooth numerous times, but this was the first time we stayed as guests. I really, really loved our time there, and thought the room we had was absolutely perfect for families. We stayed right across from the pool, and had our own patio...we were right in the middle of everything but it was convenient to be able to have space to hang out on our own too. As an added bonus, once we put Henry to sleep at night Hank and I could go out to our patio, and enjoy talking and snacking while Henry slept. We're looking forward to booking rooms with friends in the Fall and doing the same thing!
3. This would be a great destination vacation. Although we're able to drive to Palm Springs (it's about 5.5 hours away), this event is so worth it that even if you don't live close by it would be fantastic to make a whole vacation out of it and tack on some California beach time while you're out this way.
To wrap it up, we (obviously) had an amazing time, and I wholeheartedly cannot recommend this weekend enough- we're already counting down until next year. If you want to join us next time, or come to other amazing event Crafting Community puts on (remember this one, from last December?) get on their mailing list here. Seriously, do it!
I'll leave you with a million photos by my friend Morgan Pansing, Kate Miss for Crafting Community, and then also some from my iPhone sprinkled throughout. I hope you enjoy, and if you have any questions about the event or a particular photo feel free to ask! You can also see more info about the artisans and makers who taught workshops here.
This post was in partnership with Crafting Community. Thanks for reading! xo
