KissKus

Proof

That there actually still is some sewing going on around here! However, since this is a birthday present it needs to remain secret for a little longer... It's finished though, which means that I can start thinking about the next project :)

At the beach

 

Mmmm, we spent a gorgeous day at the beach today. It was the same beach that we went to last time.

It was just warm enough to be comfortable and although the wind was quite strong, it wasn't bothering us.

I was once again reminded that I love the beach. I do also love the forest or heath, but for me nothing beats the feeling of sand between my toes.

The children had so much fun. Simon was mostly in the water digging for little animals, Amber was literally rolling around in the sand and Linus loved to chase the seagulls. And Michel and I watched them and read (a few pages of) our book.

The surroundings, the company, the weather and the pace made this truly a perfect holiday-day.

Happy childhood = happy me

Last week as I was browsing the shelves at the thriftstore I found this treasure. The image immediately appealed to me. It's so lovely and peaceful. At the back it said "Happy childhood" by Muriel Dawson.

I must admit that I had never heard of her before, but after googling I now know a little more. She was an artist born in New Zealand in 1897. She received her education in England and then worked as an illustrator of children's books. Her main topics of interest were children and natural history.

While I was studying the back of the print I was thinking that it was a little piece of history in itself. For instance there is a sticker that has the info of the company that phramed the print.

And then there is a sticker of a removal company that says the print belongs in the nursery. I love these snippets of someone else's life. I hope that that other person has enjoyed looking at this painting as much as I do right now. It will be hung on a pretty spot in my new and improved craftroom, but more about that later!

First wear

Yesterday Amber wore the tunic that I made for her during my sewing frenzy last summer. It's still too big for her, but it looked cute with jeans. By the way, how long is her hair getting!! I almost never allow her to wear it loose, because I think it looks untidy. But since it's vacation I'm trying to relax a little ;)
In case you're wondering... she is wearing a bandage on her thumb because someone tried to close the door while her finger was stuck between the doorpost and the door. Ahem... sorry, baby! Did I make it up to you by letting you wear your hair loose?

A summery haven

We're getting about quite a bit while we are enjoying our summer holidays. On tuesday we went to a public garden that we've been passing for years. It turned out to be a wonderful hidden spot!

There was a little building where you could buy tea or coffee, which you could then drink under the trees. There was also a little shop selling flowers and a shop selling organic produce.

The flowers and plants were so carefully put together with beautiful colour combos.

The whole place breathed a warm quietness that made us wish we a had a garden like this. It was a very relaxing and inspiring visit. And it made us realise once again that you don't have to go far to find pretty places, this is only a 20-minute drive from us.

I put some more photos on Flickr.

Walking

Linus discovered the joy of walking!

He's not walking all of the time yet, but everyday a little more often and a little longer. He is having so much fun... and so are we!

A hole

The other day Simon came home from school proudly showing off his loose tooth. The thing is that he didn't have a loose tooth when he went to school that morning. Apparently he fell hard on the wall of the sandpit and this was the consequence. It was very loose (which made me a little sick). That night he pulled it out himself. What a man! Now he proudly parades his hole. Very important stuff for a 4-year old!

My prima ballerina

In June Amber had her first ballet performance here in our local theatre.
She's been attending weekly ballet classes since January and has been enjoying it very much. Doing ballet was her own choice and I'm very proud that she did that all by herself.

The performance was lovely. (Linus loved it as well... he was so good!).

Amber was a superstar, but perhaps I was a bit partial. Although her brother, father and grandma all thought she was as well ;)

I almost suspect that she loved her make-up most of all :)

Up in the air

We tried to fly again today. In vain :(

 

It turned out that the wind was too strong to fly safely.

We still enjoyed ourselves though.

It was a spectacular sight to see the balloon fill up with air. Unfortunately that was all the action we were going to get. Although, we were also supposed to help fold the balloon and put it in the bag. Well, makes a change from folding the laundry :)

Next week we will try again! Fourth time is a charm?!

Little red bike riding hood