Happy Birthday Jamie Clare!

It's birthday time for baby sister Jamie Clare! Don't know if she's a Fluther reader (someone tip her off to her newfound fame), but couldn't let the day pass without wishing her a happy BD!

As one of the three 'little kids' (that's her in the middle with all that blonde hair -- and Lisa, nice high waters!) Jamie endured endless teasing from us big kids. She was afraid of everything and everyone except Mom and Grandpa Sundstrom, so we exploited that by flinging stuffed animals in her play pen (major fear #1), trapping her in Cabin 6 with an overturned pail of little crabs (major fear #2), and just about anything else we could think of to make her cry. Evidently, not ALL of us were thrilled at the arrival of sib #8...

However, Clare survived it all and thrived. She was always ready to put on one of Mom's wigs and housedresses and pretend to be Cousin Charmaine coming to visit (Mom's major fear #1), take a seat at the Fun Machine to rock out as Ruby Jeannine, Lounge Singer and Organ Player Extraordinaire, or this...

She appears to be auditioning for the Spokesmodel gig at Hillcrest Bakery...

Hope you are having a fab day, little sister! Love you!

Anyone for A Battle Bonnet?

I'm sure the boys would LOVE wearing these "Dwarven Battle Bonnets" designed by Sally Pointer. Great Halloween Costume idea! I'm off to buy the pattern cuz as Sally says "everyone needs a silly hat" !

Summer Fun

Summer is winding down -- the boys got new school shoes and supplies yesterday, so I know first day of school is just around the corner! We had a busy, fun week of activities:

RJ got to attend the NBA STARS basketball camp, way cool! The only 'star' I recognized was Craig Ehlo, but I'm sure some of the super-tall guys and gals were players too.

Here's a picture of Mikey with the girls in his swimming class (Pee Wees). He is the tiniest one, and soooo precious! The big brothers are turning into regular fish in their class, Alex braved the diving board last night, even though he told me he was 'afraid of heights' (has he been reading my phobia of the week I wonder?) We also went to see Kung Fu Panda, along with about a zillion other screaming kids. The movie was very cute, but not nearly as cute as Mikey's imitation of Kung Fu Panda! I'll see if I can get a little video cuz it's darling.

Swimming Fun (and Not So Much)

The weather hit 102 degrees here yesterday, so we headed to the aquatic center (fancy schmancy pool with water slide, fountains etc.) Here's Michael in his little 'floaty' swim suit and his sun hat all ready to roll.

Our fun afternoon got cut short though, when SOMEONE (not us, I checked lol) pooped in the pool and everyone had to leave. However, we were able to come back later on for our first swim lessons:

Mikey and the girls in the Pee Wee Class. The big brothers also had a class, I think I have some decent pics on my 'good' camera, will post later.

We had about 10 minutes of lessons, then AGAIN we all had to get out of the pool. No poop this time, big wind storm with thunder and lightning. Scary!

Why Can't Big Girls Dress Like This?

Tatum at her preschool graduation. That dress! Those shoes! To die for. Man, I'd kill to be able to pull off that look. I'm afraid I'm about 50 years too late, however.

Clue #1 Finished

Here's my 'Secret of the Stole III' Clue #1. Not a great picture, and it is actually peach rather than the pink it looks like here. But it's too hot to take more pix today, I'm thinking about heading to the beach...

1883 New York Times Shawl Finished at Last!

My New York Times Shawl (from an 1883 issue of the NYT) is finally blocked and finito!

It ended up at 41" x 16.5" when I blocked it, which makes a lovely large scarf or small shoulder wrap. To make a larger stole, you'd need about 1200-1300 yds of lace weight yarn. Free pattern available using the link above (Ravelry users can download the .pdf file; my ID is lavs)