Swimming at Wenberg

 We love to head over to Wenberg County Park to swim. The water is warmer and there are picnic benches and grass. Lake Goodwin is quite large and back in the day we've ridden boats here, but the swimming area is safely roped off. On this day we had the whole park to ourselves. Mostly because I told the kids we were skipping school to enjoy the sun.

Calvin Leaves for College

 It's time for Calvin to return to Rexburg for the next term. It's been fun having him here during the break. Safe travels!

Tula Pink Butterfly

 My friend Sharon Szekely and I decided to make our own Tula Pink Butterfly. I love making quilts with friends. She would come over and we would cut and sew together.

I wish I had a picture of Sharon's version. It was difficult to set all the pieces just right (symmetry) without twisting a block 90 degrees. 

I decided to add Asian elements to the quilting because there was a lot of negative space.

This was a perfect quilt for stash use. I'm a big fan of sampler quilts with an overall design.

I decided to show this quilt in a Salt Lake machine quilting show. I prefer large quilts for shows.

Later I decide to show it at Sisters, Oregon and it sold. Wilma and I had driven down to enjoy the classes and show. It was a delight to spend time with her. Here she is looking up close.

Jackson's Eagle Project

 Jackson has been approved to make bat boxes for the Camano Island State Park. He is beginning by cutting out the wood pieces and applying rot-resistant paint.

Then they made the poles for the installation.

They brought digging bars to the park to get deep enough into the ground.

It seems like forever since Jack was only a cub scout. Seven years passes by quickly.

Hawaii

 We took a trip to Oahu for our 25th wedding anniversary. By the time February rolls around each year, I'm ready to find some sun. And there was plenty in Hawaii. We stayed in a wonderful place in Waikiki set up by Paul's mom. I loved being so close to the beach. We loved visiting the Temple and Visitor's Center while we were at the Polynesian Cultural Center.

We visiting the Skinners' ward on Sunday as a surprise.

We hiked Diamond Head and snorkeled in Hanauma Bay.

And then we heard that there was a snowstorm happening back home. The pipes were freezing. Luckily, the kids were able to plug in the heatwrap. Goodness.

We loved kayaking to from Kailua to Mokulua Island.

And we ate malasadas at Leonard's Bakery, at Loco Moco Drive in, at Big City Diner, and the Yard House. Everything was delicious.

Merry Christmas

Today was a special day. We were able to skype with Frazier in Orlando and Howard in Porto Alegre. The last time we tried to skype with Frazier was when he was in Manaus and the connection was so bad, it ended up being a telephone call. He is well taken care of in Orlando by all the members. For Howard, he will be home in just 5 weeks or so. We are so excited to welcome him home. 

Christmas is Coming

 I found this great pattern and have made two of these so far. The letters can be quite large so I used up a lot of fusible web. My favorite is Heat 'n Bond Lite. Then I quilt it to death. Wouldn't this be cute with a dark background and bright colors for the tree? Or make the tree look more like a "Grinch" tree?