Speech School

 Last Thursday was Lil G's first day back at Speech School.  He goes two times a week, to work on his pronunciation.  He was so excited to head back to school and start where he left off last May!

Lil G holding his sign for school.  He was "photobombed" by Smunchie :-)

 "Cheesyburger!"

 Patiently waiting for the bus.

"Bye, bye!"

Watching for the bus.

 Smunchie went on a walk while waiting for the bus to arrive.

How did my little man grow up so fast?

Let's Go Fly a Kite

 We are still working on our Summer Bucket List (which I feel will likely become our Autumn Bucket List soon) and one of the most highly anticipated items listed was "Fly a Kite".  Lil G has been asking for weeks to fly a kite.  Well, we finally had a perfect day for it last Saturday- not too windy, nor too hot.  So, we all headed out to the park for some kite-flying fun.

It took Lil G a bit to get the hang of flying the kite.  But, eventually, he got it.  Daddy showed him how to tug on the string to make the kite soar higher and higher.

Smunchie wasn't able to fly the kite but she did enjoy watching her big brother run about and keep it high in the air.  

 He got pretty good at keeping the kite aloft, no matter his position!

 Smunchie, clapping for the kite (and Lil G!)

Smunchie is WALKING

 Smunchie is trying to walk!  At just shy of 16 months, she has been cruising along furniture for a loooooong time (about 6 months).  Slowly but surely, she is gaining confidence in herself to walk unassisted.  She still bumbles and stumbles a lot but she can make it across entire rooms now without any help.  It seems like she's just a little apprehensive about moving that far away from the ground.  Wonder if Lil G has anything to do with her anxiety?

Here she after walking from the couch to the chair, getting her congratulatory kisses from Tutu <3 br="">

First Slumber Party

 Last weekend, Lil G had his very first sleepover! He filled up his sticker chart and his reward was getting to have his friend, "J" over to watch a movie and sleep together in the tent.  The two had a blast and did great throughout the night.  Greg stayed downstairs with the dynamic duo, while mama and Smunchie slept upstairs.  Everyone actually got a good night's sleep!

The next morning, the two kids played together outside.  Lil G and J are so sweet together.  Here he is helping her put on the rollerskates.  They are really two peas in a pod!

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!