Summer Celebration

 In 2011, Jean Well published a book titled, "Through the Garden Gate" which included this quilt, Summer Celebration. I learned how to flip and sew making this beauty. The design is based on 5" squares, 10" squares and rectangles with those dimensions. 

The process has the maker work with squares of muslin as a base. Then you chose fabrics and sew like a paper-pieced project, flipping and sewing until it is all covered.

That makes it a pretty heavy quilt. I created quite a mess while I was sewing this together. Little bits of fabric covered the floor.

Florida Seabase

 Paul and I took a trip to BSA's Florida Seabase for a week of scout training. What a delight! We flew into Fort Lauderdale and drove down to the keys and stayed in Islamorada. The accommodations were bunkbeds, but the water was crystal clear. While he was in classes, I was out snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. 

There were a few of us couples and we enjoyed adventuring together.

We had to watch out for iguanas because they were everywhere. The water was shallow for hundreds of yards. If you fell out of a boat, it was no big deal.

We drove down to Key West so we could see Cuba.  The fish cleaning station is attracting quite a bit of attention.

Islamorada is gorgeous, especially at sunset.

I'm not going in there.

But I'll feed some tarpon at Robbie's Marina.

This is Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. Construction of the fort began in 1845 as part of a mid-19th century plan to defend the southeast coast of the US through a series of forts after the War of 1812. 

Wedding Announcement

 Katie and Tyler have completed their wedding invitation. I don't think I helped in any way!

I Love England

 I found some cute England fabric and thought it would be perfect for a quilt for Katie. Unfortunately, I never took a full picture of it. Next time I'm at her house, I'll see if I can grab a shot.

I spy quilts are so fun. I know that Katie doesn't need another quilt, but I do love making them.

Christmas 2012

 We enjoyed a family Christmas this year and were grateful to share it with each other. Cookie decorating, skyping, and present opening were all included. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Concert

 We always love Christmas concerts in December. For our family, we just have to head to the high school to enjoy Christmas music. 

Frazier and Katie (and Calvin) have all performed with Chamber Choir and now it is Jackson's turn. They will always appreciate the musical education they receive under Mr. Ronning. 

Merry Christmas

 Every other year, the Arlington Stake transforms the building into a Creche Festival. Hundreds of nativities are gathered from members so they can be arranged and displayed. People sign up to come act as a live nativity. Choirs practice music so they can perform a Christmas concert. I signed up to play piano music for an hour of the event. Many cookies were made and eaten.

A few days ago, Katie and I went with Opal and Cathy to Christensen's Nursery to make wreaths. I love their machines and they are easy to make with our own greenery. Cathy always brings red-twig dogwood and a variety of branches with red berries.

Katie and Opal are so happy when they are creating. It smells so yummy and they have Christmas music playing.

Cathy using beautiful red berries. We brought many boughs, but Christensen's had more stems to purchase.