Laowai

Aaaaaah – it’s Lily of the Valley season.

I sewed three shirts for myself this week. I used a new pattern that I downloaded – the blossom blouse from In-House patterns. I was interested in the In-House patterns because they make A, B, C and D cup sizing. I’m not sure I’m in love with them but at least they aren’t too snug like most patterns I try. I’m sure I’ll try the pattern again – there’s a longer sleeve version too. 

The work on bathroom number two has begun. Sinks and countertops went in today. The old green sink and green toilet are gone. Some rotten boards were replaced in our shower base. The new floor tile should go in very soon. Still tons of work to come, but It’s happening!

When Bea was a baby, and we lived in Evanston, I would go for a walk with her in the stroller almost everyday. We would walk down to Lake Michigan and then walk along the shore up to the campus of Northwestern University. It’s been ages since I’ve been back to that walk so we decided to check it out on Sunday. It was interesting to see how it’s changed and how it’s stayed the same. There has been so much new construction! It made me think of all those walks – I would gaze out at the lake and I would gaze down at my baby Bea.

It’s Lilac time!

And the girls and I planted our herbs:

by Claire

Sometimes Brian sends me nice photos from the road. 

And this is the type of photo that I send him:

I have a fun time planning parties – little girl parties. It scratches my graphic designer itch to make fun invitations. I might enjoy the planning more than the actual party. I know I won’t get to do this sort of thing forever. But for now I’ll keep doing it – selfishly amusing myself and hoping the girls enjoy their parties.

I included all the things five year old Claire likes. It was a Twirly Princess Rainbow Bubble Sparkle Pony Magical Heart Birthday Party. Here’s the invitation:

I kept it simple and made a sac lunch for each kid.

We held it in the park next to Claire’s preschool – here she comes.

We had rainbow suckers to decorate the cupcakes, we made paper crowns and we blew bubbles. It was a nice little party.

For Claire’s 5th birthday we surprised her with a trip to the city to Dylan’s Candy Bar and to the big Maggie Daley playground.

On the way we watched one of the bridges go up to let some sailboats through.

Dylan’s Candy Bar is a wonderland of every kind of candy you can think of. Lots of it is bulk so you can pick out a container and fill it with whatever you fancy. That was the best part for the girls – scooping up a little of this and a little of that. They were like kids in a candy store – ha.

I didn’t take any photos of our time at the big playground. It was a beautiful, day but the crowds were a bit exhausting. Later that night we had cake and Claire opened her presents. She has been so heavily into My Little Pony – she really only asked for pony gifts. And of course I had to make a pony cake. The rainbows ended up looking more like 70s style headbands, but the cake itself was good (Ina Garten’s coconut cake).

Here she is with all her ponies gathered together and she’s wearing the pony PJs from Grandma J. Yes – It’s excessive – but her sweet smile makes it all OK.

Sigh – and now she’s five. A delightful, expressive, generous, fun and super girly five years old.

Some mushrooms sprouted up in our yard.

Well – really we made them out of concrete when Mom visited. She’s good about doing crafts with the girls. It was a cold rainy day when we made them. Yes, Mom, they did turn out and they look right at home in our yard.