Greetings from sunny Florida, Vero Beach to be exact.
We are spending a couple of weeks here at my parents home. I plan on making it a computer free two weeks to try to soak up all I can of my family and the summer. Although, I already am looking forward to when I get home to catch up on what you all will have been up to! :) Until then, blog on.

Oh, (because some of you asked) both pairs of Libby's shoes from the prepster post are from Garnet Hill. The boots were a birthday gift from Aunt Mimi. (we like shoes instead of toys for birthday gifts)!

I recently purchased this Classic Elite Four Seasons (love it) for a project (haven't started) and had a few extra skeins. After receiving this book through a book signing at the TNNA show, I decided to cast on for this skirt and let it be my pool project. Mindless knitting in the round, perfect for the pool.

Yesterday, was that indeed! A great mail day. Anytime you see a package at your doorstep with this pink sticker, it is So Much Fun!

Look at all this loot! Of course, the chocolate frogs were the first to go, although he did share one with Andrew. The rest he said is his, all his. Even the Harry sweater. Darn!

Thanks a million Felicia! You really made our day!

One of Libby's friends organized a summer book club. Such a great idea. Early in the summer they met at the book store to pick out the book, together. Rules by Cynthia Lord, a Newbery Honor book, was their choice. The girls love it. We gave them eight chapters to read, and they hated having to wait until their meeting to continue reading.

I ordered this yarn from Scout back in February. It was a custom order for Libby who wanted socks in pink, green and yellow. Her favorite colors.

Rainy summer days mean days to remember.
It is really great when the rain forces creative play at our house. The kids set up shops throughout the house, each with their own individual theme.

Andrew had a sporting goods store. He collected anything from balls to racquet's to bobble heads. Priced everything on his own. I guess it never hurts to dream big. Charlie raided the kitchen for candy for his candy shop. He also priced things pretty high. Dum dums for $1. He also was asking $1 for Hershey kisses. I'll tell you, it was a very expensive candy shop.

We headed to Nemacolin Woodlands for a little getaway. Located on about 3,000 acres in Farmington, Pennsylvania. There are a million things to do. Honestly, something for everyone. To name a few ::climbing wall::ropes course::target paintball::archery::bike rental::off-road driving academy::miniature golf::shopping::spa::pools::auto toy store::animal encounter::sled dog kennels::wild world animal shows::black bear habitat::wildlife habitat::buffalo habitat::zebra habitat::canoe museum::sail and peddle boats::equestrian trail rides::pony rides::combat paintball::mystic rock golf course::falling rock golf course::tennis::art::skiing::tubing

Let's talk about the seaside sweater, shall we? First of all, I love this sweater. It is from Twinkle's Big City Knits. The yarn is twinkle handknits cruise, and it is lovely to work with. 70% silk, 30% cotton. The sweater is knit in the round to the armhole, holding four strands together throughout. Very fast, pretty easy. I find it a little difficult using size 17 needles. I feel like I am all thumbs. I made a few adjustments. Longer sleeves are usually a must for me. I also knew I needed to increase from below the bust line to the shoulder, so I knit an extra inch.

Have a wonderful day everyone!

Libby's "packed full of memories" bag is complete, and we couldn't be happier. She could hardly wait to pack it with things to take to the pool. I sewed 12 4x4 pieces together. And made 6 of these rows. Made a bottom that was two rows of four squares. Ironed pellon on to the back of each to make it a little sturdy.

It really is a special bag. Each little print has a memory to it, that I will be reminded of every time I look at the bag. I do regret one thing. Not using the bumble bee dress. Honestly. I would have really loved to have had that fabric in this bag, and not tucked away in a box.

The first thing Libby said was " I love it! I cant' wait to take it to college!". She is 9 years old. Already packing for college! I just hope that one day (way after college) she finds it packed in a box and thinks of it as a treasure. I think she will, she already does.

Bob took the boys to play nine holes. Libby went for a sleep over. Time alone in my house, YIPPEE! However, it took me an hour and a half to complete 1 row. Decrease 28 stitches evenly across while using smaller needles and changing to K1, P1. Sounds simple enough. Then why my fine friends did it take me all of that precious time! AHHH! I ended up charting it, and then charting it again, and again, and again. Yes, 4 times.