Everybody's Learning How

Sarah and Dave decided to take a two-hour surfing lesson while we were in Kauai, and I documented with photographs and video tape. Their instructor took them to a place on the beach called "Grandpa's" that had one to two-foot swells ... a fitting place for beginners. The conditions were perfect that day, and they both "got up" on their first try. Needless to say, I was very impressed! Here are some of my favorite photos of the morning.

Heller-copter

Dave talked me into it... I went on a one-hour ride in a helicopter with no doors. But it was GREAT! I was really nervous until we finally lifted off, and then it seemed like a dream... the kind where you have the power to fly. I was in the front seat, squished in between the pilot and Dave (who was literally hanging out the window for most of the flight). I was in charge of the video camera (we MUST edit down my 20 minutes of footage), and Dave took a bunch of really lovely photos. The views were breathtaking and I'm SO glad we had this once in a lifetime experience.
This was the group that left after our flight.. but this was THE helicopter.


Nepali Coast




We're happy because we made it back alive :)

My Birthday

Today (October, 19) was my birthday... #27.

Dave, Sarah, and Tim all pitched in to make me a spectacular breakfast including orange juice, bacon, and chocolate chip pancakes with fresh whipped cream. Regrettably, I do not have a photo of this. I do, however, have a picture of one of the fabulous gifts given to me by Sarah and Tim. This book was on my birthday wish list, and I can't wait to get home to start sewing some of these fun projects.

I picked out this pendant as a gift from my mom. I found it in a little shop across the street from our hotel. Thanks Mom:)


For dinner we went to a really great restaurant called Scotty's (pictured below).

Unfortunately, a party of 50 beat us to the punch and we ended up waiting for almost an hour, but we made good use of our time. Dave scurried around taking photos, while the rest of us played with Micaiah on the grass. Here are some of the images from the evening.

Beautiful Kauai

Here're some of Dave's photos from our latest Hawaiian excursion.

In Awe

We went to Costco and Safeway today (here in Kauai) to buy food for the next 9 days. Micaiah is in awe of the fullness of the refrigerator... and rightly so.

one step closer

Please disregard my pasty-white feet with sock indentations, and notice my newly pedicured nails. My mom took me to the salon today to celebrate my upcoming birthday, and to prepare my feet for Hawaii! I normally don't choose such a bright pink color, but I thought it would be tropically appropriate.


Perhaps I'll take a photo of my feet at the end of the trip to see if they look tanner and more relaxed :).

New Sewing Book

Dave bought me this really great book for my birthday (above) by Lotta Jansdotter. I've made a few things from the patterns inside... some turned out better than others. Since we're going to Hawaii, I thought I'd try my hand at the sun hat. The pieces didn't really line up the way they should've. and the hat doesn't really fit right either. I did some research online, and it seems that others had similar problems. They all said the brim is really big and makes it hard to see :). Here's one gal's creation:

And here's mine:

And here's a tote bag I made from a "Lotta" pattern. I also used her bird applique pattern that I love. I thought it would be a good beach bag

New CARTER'S Onsies

I found a Carter's outlet in Nashville... hooray! They had a really good deal on white onesies, so I bought a bundle. Here are my first creations.

Chandy Finds A Home

We found a place to hang the little green wonder... right over the kitchen sink! Now it will bring joy and cheer to the dishwashing process. Just imagine that the cabinets are white (hopefully they will be next month). 

An Apron As Promised

Here's the apron I made for myself. I like it because it looks like a fun dress, and (obviously) it protects my clothes when I'm cooking!

Recycle

I bought this little wooden sign at Connie's Thrift Store (which is no longer with us), but it began as dark wood with red lettering that said "Crew's Quarters." I decided to paint it and use it for a good cause.

This trash can in the corner of our kitchen started out as the recycling can, but whenever we had guests over, they would put their normal trash in it. So, we resigned to use it as a trash can. I recently decided that I REALLY wanted to start recycling again, so I had the idea to make this cute little recycling sign. Hopefully it won't take too long to retrain our friends!

Purse Re-do

I made this purse a while ago out of the fabric left over from the apron I made (which I'll have to post later). 

Then I saw this purse online at etsy.com, and I thought I'd try to remake my purse to look like it. 

This is the finished product. It took wayyyyy longer than I thought it would, but it was a good challenge. I took it for a test drive today, and I loved how light it was. 

little green chandy

I found this treasure at an antique store here in Nashville... $25! I still need to find a 15 watt bulb and an extension cord. 

Baby Hoodie!

This new-born sized sweatshirt might be my new favorite :). I got to use my new Amy Butler fabric that I bought in New Hampshire, and a small bit of felt that I bought for a different project.