Kidstruction Zone

Our local children's museum has a new exhibit that just opened; the kiddos and I swung by the "Kidstruction Zone" yesterday for a couple hours to check it out - loads of fun. ;-)

First they made "tool belts"

Yay for pink trucks!

Builder in training

Gettin' my crafty on :-)

I haven't tried to create something with my hands in awhile - too busy with the munchkins and I tend to be a simple plain Jane without much flair.  But the crafty bug has bit me and I have been having loads of fun.

Earlier this year one of my friends said she was going to learn how to knit, and she invited me to learn with her.  I decided to give it a shot - and now I am hooked!!  I've joined up with our church knitting club and have learned tons of valuable knitting tips, stitches and patterns. I felt like a "true knitter" the other day when all 3 of my needle sets had a project on them. :-) 

Multicolored dishcloth, mittens, hat with double yarn  

Joy modeling my first double-yarn hat

A couple weeks ago I dusted off the sewing machine (it had been a couple years at least) and made some car seat canopy covers for my forthcoming twin nephews, and another baby girl that was born in March.  I so enjoyed making this quick and easy project that I committed to make another one for my knitting friend who is due in July. :-) I was inspired by my childhood friend who had made one for Noah when he was born last summer (thanks a ton, Kristin!), and faithfully followed an online tutorial.

Bro-in-law's Alma Mater

Sis-in-law's favorite team

This baby girl was born into a tractor-lovin' family :-)

Though I haven't done a large or complex counted cross-stitch in a long time, I make these foot cross-stitched every now and then for new babies. 

I can't wait to meet the twins so I can stencil these two gifts with their names and DOB.

I couldn't sign-off on this post without crediting Micah who is my faithful, helping buddy. :-) He made this diaper cake with me for the twins' baby shower a couple weeks ago.  As for Joy, she watches from the sidelines, and I've caught her more than once tapping two things together and saying she's "knittin.' " :-) 

Loading the bobbin for one of the car seat canopies.

RC Speed Boat

Papa and Mama Ruth gave Micah a remote controlled speed boat last week.  We gave it a whirl on Sunday on their pond - boy was it fast and fun!

Walking to the launch spot

The first go about it!

Papa's turn!

Pulling moss out of the propellers

Micah was one happy camper ;-)

Watching the action from the sidelines

Family Cook-Out

We had our first all-family cook-out of the season, and it was so, so nice to be together for the evening.  Mighty tasty food too! ;-)

Next family pic we'll have the twin boys visible!

At least the smoke kept the mosquitoes at bay!

Grand Haven

We've been having some warmer weather, so we decided to have an impromptu trip to the beach.  I quickly packed a duffel with towels, swimsuits and sunscreen, and Scotty packed the ice chest with food and drinks.  The younger two got their afternoon naps while we set out on a course to Grand Haven's beachfront.  Little did we know that our plans would have to be slightly altered....

Though the past couple of days have been in the 70's/80's in our neighborhood, the beachfront proved to be much colder - in the low 50's.  I hadn't packed so much as a hoodie or socks for anyone!  Micah spent a little time outside, then we stumbled upon a neat old locomotive, saw a retired Coast Guard boat along the main road, and then ended up trekking back to our house to have a picnic dinner in our own backyard. :-)  We will return, Grand Haven, but not until it's a mite warmer...

Glider

Sunday afternoon was a beautiful day with a touch of warmth and a slight breeze - great opportunity to test flight the glider papa got for Micah.