Beach Games

     While at the beach, Miss G invented a new game that went something like this:

The husbandman would toss a ball up to the third floor balcony where Miss G was waiting.

    Then she would find it...

 
    Run to the railing...

     And then drop it back off the edge...

For the husbandman to fish out of the pool...

And throw it back up to where...

     Miss G was patiently waiting to start it all over again!

   Nothing like a bouncy ball and a juice box on a breezy summer day at the beach.

Beach Robe

      As soon as I saw Dana's beach robe, I knew I had to make one for Miss G. So as soon as I could, I ran out to Walmart to buy a towel to chop into pieces and tun into one of these too-cute-for-words robes.  My favorite things about this project? The hood, I think everything should have a hood, and luckily Miss G seems to agree, I also love that the strap is sew down in the back, so it doesn't slide off wiggly bodies.

 

I also grabbed a pillow case to use for the lining. I lined the hood, the ties, and the sleeves. I already had the bias tape made for another project, so my only worry for that was that I would have enough. I did, but just barely. I could not believe how easily this project came together, I really don't think I spent anymore than three hours making it.

       I also ran out of yellow thread on the last stitch, so I knew it was went to be.

      I was so proud when my dad asked me how I did the stripes on the bottom that I was almost a little disappointed to admit that I didn't do anything at all, I just lined up the pattern piece to use the striping already on the towel...

Beach Week

     Last week was my family's annual beach week in the Outer Banks. Every year, my mom's side of the family rents a house for a week of reconnecting, talking, eating huge amounts of amazing food, and f course, days spent down by the ocean.
     I plan to post  pictures throughout the week but since my internet connection at home is iffy, I'll just lave with this teaser until I can upload pictures in the middle of the night tonight (there's no bandwidth limit between 2:00 and 6:00 am)

Sunset after a Storm

      Last week, the husbandman ad I went to see the extended version of the Return of the King in theaters. It was a part of a thee week event, and we had faithfully driven the hour down to Fredericksburg to see the first two movies. This time, we were chased down by an epic rainstorm.


     Sadly, not even thirty minutes into the movie, the whole block lost power. So we were refunded our tickets, and sent home, very disappointment because we didn't think the showing would ever be repeated. But as soon as we started driving home, this sunset bloomed out in front of us. The camera cannot capture the majesty of these colors.  It was honestly one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. And if we had been in the theater, we would have never known what we had missed. And I think it was worth the drive to see it. (especially since the husbandman was able to use the tickets  the next day to see transformers twice (one as a guy's outing with friends, and then took me on a date that night.))

Babysitting

    My fourth of July weekend was made special by many things, but most clearly by two visits from this sweet little girl, my amazing niece (and soon-to-be big sister) Miss G.

    She still has much more fun with the hose than the pool, but watching her smile and laugh means that I will happily jump away and squeal "Oh no! Not the hose!" over and over again until she's either cold or bored. I think she is one of the most active little ones I've seen. She wore everyone out. She visited the goats ten times, climbed that stairs fifteen times (in fifteen minutes) and was outside as much as possible. In fact, the hardest part of her weekend seemed to be the rainstorm that kept her from her swing set.

    We finally wore her out, or rather let her wear herself out, and she crashed as soon as she sat still for even a moment. I don't think their is any antidepressant that comes close to matching the powers of holding a sleeping, cuddly baby.

    What moments or things always warm your heart, no matter how often they happen?

Independence Day

      Happy Fourth of July! I hope everyone is enjoying their long weekend. The Husbandman and I are enjoying a quiet day at home (I'm busy reading, he's selling books online) and hoping to see our neighbor's fireworks over the treeline tonight.

O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife.
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!

     We sang America the Beautiful yesterday at church, and one verse in particular really struck me like never before. I am a huge supporter of our troops, (my dad was in the army for over 20 years, and my brother is headed that way as soon as he graduates) and I think that as we celebrate today with picnics, fireworks, flags and parades, we need to recognize our heroes, those who have fallen, those who have survived, and those who still serve to make this country free. 

America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till selfish gain no longer stain
The banner of the free!