Sewing for Sarah: Swedish Inspired Arpon

 My big brother is getting married and to the sweetest girl in the world! For a recent shower, I decided to make Sarah a Swedish inspired apron.  I'm pretty happy with the result, which has no exposed seams and which I made without a pattern!  My inspiration was the Urban Chic Apron pattern, by Sugar Pie Chic.

 The apron is made of two patterns of duck-cloth, for easy washabilty and no need to line.  It has a pleated skirt and a drawstring neck. 

The tiebacks are folded and topstitched, allowing for Sarah to wear the apron tied in the front or the back (no raw seams here).  The bottom contrast fabric is sewed with a French seam, to eliminate fraying.

First time painting

 A couple of days ago, Smunchie got to paint for the first time.  She was so stoked to use watercolors, just like her big brother!  She opted to not paint with the brush but instead, used her hands and face.  It worked well!

Sewing for my Sweeties: The Adelaide Romper

 There's something about having a little girl that got me sewin'. I have always loved to make things but the outfits and patterns for little girls are just so cute!  This newest creation is probably one of the most involved patterns that I have made in awhile.  Probably since my wedding dress, truth be told! But, it turned out very cute and I can see myself making it again sometime. 

It is a halter-style romper, with piping and contrast pockets. 

 It has cute detailing on the back, complete with smocking. The leg trim and the contrast collar/tiebacks make the outfit (I think). I'm pretty proud of the fact that I managed to get the crotch-snaps installed!

Playing at the Nature Preserve

 Last weekend, we went to the local nature preserve, to celebrate one of Lil G's friend's birthdays.  He and his buddy, "J" are very close and he was so excited to help her ring in her fifth birthday!  He had a blast playing in the creek, on the swings and going on a nature hike.  Smunchie also had fun, splashing in the creek and eating her cupcake.  We are so blessed to have such great friends, a great place to play and great weather on that fabulous day.

 Above: Lil G pushing his friend on the swing.  Below: Splashing in the creek

 Smunchie was excited when she found a bucket to scoop and dump sand.

 Above: Lil G kept telling us that he was making "macaroni and cheese" in the creek.

 There was a nest of baby birds in the covered bridge at the preserve.  Lil G was in awe of the little guys.

Wordless Wednesday

Circus Camp 2013

 We are very blessed in that, because of where we live, there are opportunities for our kids to experience new activities.  One of those happened last week.  Lil G participated in Circus Camp, through the local college.  He practiced all kinds of circus moves for three days and then, he and his circus friends put on a show for all the parents.  He had a blast learning all of the tricks of the trade and was super excited to show us all what he had learned.

 Here is Lil G posing with his circus camp class, including one of his best little buddies, "J".

 One of the things they learned at camp was to "Smile and Style".

Lil G was pretty good at both of those!

 At the beginning of the performance, the kids all did a parade.  Apparently, Lil G decided to dress as an Astronaut....with a bone necklace.

 One of Lil G's favorite activities- the Pedalo.

After camp, Lil G was one of two kids asked to interview on camera for the local news!!  The director said that she picked him because she "knew he would talk on camera".  The news did not end up using his interview (probably because he was talking about liking basketball, instead of talking about camp) but it was awesome that he got to experience a real live interview.

Summer Vacation

Earlier this summer, we took a family vacation to the Wisconsin Dells.  It was delightful!  We love going there, for the waterparks and the convenience (we always eat in our condo and walk to the parks several times a day).

Lil G had a terrific time, going up and down the slides again and again.  Smunchie was contented to play in the shallows or ride on the lazy river.  She did give her mama and dada some mild heart attacks by standing up in the raft all the time!

 On the way home, we stopped at one of our favorite places- Ella's Deli!  We love the food, the decor and of course, the carousel!  Smunchie enjoyed her first carousel ride and she and Lil G LOVED growling at dada each time they circled around.