Sunny days are here again

FINALLY...Adam, Harper, and I took a vacation!!! (pause for applause)

We did it, we took the plunge. Adam got some time off work and we escaped to sunny Florida. We went down for an incredible 4 days of bliss. We rode bikes everywhere, relaxed in the pool, spent time with Adam's dad and step-mom, and overall enjoyed each other. We had perfect weather and fabulous food...damn...it was nice.
I even got to see my cousin Meg (and her little boy Caleb) who I haven't seen since we were both pregnant. Harper and Caleb are only 2 months apart in age and it showed. They had a blast together hitting it off right from the start. It did however, make our good-byes that much sadder.

First ride on a beach cruiser. Fun Fun Fun

We ate breakfast at the cutest little coffee shop/store.

We saved time for a little skinny dipping. (Harper NOT Adam)

Harper and Adam mapping out our fun filled weekend.

Yes, we found an aquarium. Lord this girl loves fish!

Yes, we are those parents.

You in the back...smile.

Harper and Caleb from the back

...and front.

Even ol' Max came over for a visit.

Questions of the Day

Are you sadder for a life that was lived but cut short, or a life that never had a chance to live? On one hand there is the element of missing what you knew could have been, and on the other hand never getting to experience this magnificent world at all, not even one breath.
Is it right to mourn something you lost even though you didn't know you had it? To cry thinking how bad you would have wanted it if you had only known? Or do you sweep it under the rug, saying "I was fine before I knew, so therefore nothing has changed"?
It's funny how it's so easy to give advice and tell people "it's not that bad" until you walk a mile in their shoes. Sometimes it is just that bad.

SAY MY NAME!!!

Harper learned how to say her name today. It's crazy how one day things just click. Yesterday she was saying "Hah" when we asked her to say her name. Now she clearly says "Ha-per". We are so elated we aren't even going to worry about that missing "r". I'm sure in time it will make its appearance.




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Who knew this was all hidden in the streets of Durham?

I know I've been bad. I've been putting off this blog post for 3 weeks, solely because I was intimidated by the number of pictures to download. I, again, took over 200 pictures and feel that eliminating a single one of them would be detrimental to the integrity of the post. I have cut down as best I can, so on that note...we're off.

The 3 of us took a long awaited trip to the Durham Museum of Life and Science. We have heard several people rave about it and finally tracked down a day we could all go. Neither one of us had ANY idea the magnitude of this place. Unfortunately, we spent a little too much time inside, that by the time we were outside we were on borrowed time with Miss. H. The inside area did have several stations that Harper enjoyed but is far from understanding. The outside however, was spectacular. It had a play area that put all others to sham, and barns set up with all the farm animals straight from the pages her books. Harper was spouting out sounds like nobody's business. There was a moo moo here, and a ba ba there, oink oinks everywhere. We then went into the butterfly house, which was neat, but really more interesting because of the birds running around for Harper to chase. The rest of the day involved seeing wolves, bears, dinosaurs, and even sailed a boat or two.

Though we didn't opt to get the seasons pass, I'm sure we will be making multiple trips back. I don't see Harper getting tired of that place any time soon.

And........we're done.

I've been busy...and it looks like I will be for a while.

I've been hard at work collecting old pieces of furniture from around the house, flea markets, thrift shops, or where ever else I can find them. I'm experimenting with some fun techniques to use on different pieces and LOVING the way they are coming out.

Here are a few small pieces I have started with, and then a few pieces that are up next. I can't wait to get some larger pieces finished. I'm going to have a hard time not keeping everything for myself.

I had a set of twin boys in mind when I made these, but funny, I actually ended up doing another set of 3 (one pink, one purple, one teal) for a set of triplets.

I think I may do a mate to this little guy. Probably the opposite colors like the stools above.

This one may not be able to leave my house.

It's hard to tell in this picture but the chairs are actually a really really pale blue.

You all remember Harper's table. This is my pride and joy. My first piece and still my favorite.

Here is my current waiting list. I'm excited to do pieces I can embellish with some funky hardware or fabric. Should have some pictures for you soon.

Days like these are for the birds.

A couple of Sundays ago, since Adam doesn't need to be at work until 1:00, we all went over to Lake Lynn to walk around and feed the ducks. It started out a beautiful, slightly crisp, morning at 60 degrees. However, about 1/2 way through our walk, the farthest possible point from the car, the mercury shot up to a sweat producing 85. Needless to say Harper and I were not dressed the part.

Weather aside, we had fun with the ducks and Harper made a lot of friends as she fired through an entire bag of stale hot dog buns.

Word got around fast.

As we attempted to leave one area to go to the next we notice a little tag-a-long.

Then we saw...that little scout called in the infantry.

Not only did we feed the ducks but we attracted the attention of an ENORMOUS snapping turtle.

One side...

...and the other.