Just us. And the ocean.

Mid day on a Saturday afternoon.  On an empty beach in NH, just around the corner from where we used to live. We used to run to this beach. We'd have picnics here.  We'd get ice cream together as newlyweds and bring it here to consume. I distinctly remember taking a quick dip here before looking at the home we made an offer on in Maine.  It was Justin's idea to take our littles here.  8 years ago, I dreamed of a great future with my husband and kids. And now I'm living it.  Just going back to that favorite spot is such a great reminder on how blessed we really are.

 

 

 

 

 Such a relaxing day for me, too.

 

Mama Made: New Doll. And her birthday run down.

So, let me tell you, those homemade dolls that go for hundreds of dollars?  Well, I understand why.  This doll took me many, many hours.  But it's worth it, as I just love her.

 I designed her to be the same size as a Cabbage Patch doll.  That's because I have ~20+ outfit patterns to fit a cabbage patch.  I have my old Cabbage Patch, but I thought a new doll would be fun. The first pattern is this simple dress here. If I keep going, she'll have quite the wardrobe.

And a rundown of her birthday. She refused to wear her party dress.  Had some of her favorite people over.

She wanted "panpapes and sauce". So we had pancakes and apple sauce.

 Which made her super happy.

 She didn't want any other cake than pancakes.

  I asked her if I made one with cinnamon sugar and frosting if she'd like it. She said yes. (Cinnamon Swirl Cake recipe here.)

 We sang, she blew out the candle.

 She cheered and said "Do it again!"

 So we did round 2.

 Mighty exciting, I tell you.

 But, she won't eat it. She won't eat cake. She hates cake. How can that be? It's not even normal to not like cake. Yet, I birthed a child who won't eat cake?!  She licked the frosting and said she was done. 

 Ah, but she does love presents.

 And here she is getting the doll I made her.  It was a great birthday and it's great to have a two year old!

 

What kept them busy.

The majority of the day yesterday consisted of...
1) Emptying the wheelbarrow that was filled with rainwater with this little blue pitcher and one other small cup.

 2) Baby chicks.

3) Farming (which we never have a day without farming).

3) Fighting fires around this farm.  And fixing broken engines.

 4) This cardboard box.

 5) And this salamander.

 Days like today?  I'd give them a 10/10.  It's never a bad idea to just stay home.

Togetherness.

The moments we can be together are the best moments. Thankful for days off.