I'm Back!!!

Sorry everyone, we have been too busy enjoying our summer. Doing things like...

..this!!!

I have managed to fit in a little sewing. Of course it involves another dress for Maria. I have made almost all of her summer wardrobe, and  have stuck to using recycled fabric and clothing.

I was inspired by Dana's Warhol Dress for this one. I actually drafted my own pattern from a Gap dress given to Maria by a friend. I really liked the cut of the neckline. I guess I am not the only one. Dana has also made a pattern for this.

Anyway, here is my version.

My friend Shannon got this maternity shirt at one of our local thrift stores on bag day. That is when they give you a brown paper bag and let you fill it for $1.00. So I guess you could say this dress cost Shannon about 10 cents. Hey Shannon- I owe you 10cents.

Here is the finished dress.

I love the way it fit. Maria wore it the other day, and my friends are already asking for one for their kiddos. Looks like I will be making a few more of these. 

I hope you all are enjoying the start of your summer as much as we are. Here a couple more fun pics from ours. Sorry I can't help it.

A slug found in the garden.

A turtle found at our friends lake.

And 2 cuties found in my garage.

Oh yeah, I have already picked up Poison Ivy. One of the joys of living in the country.

So...

Happy Itching!!

Rhiannon

Windy City Wrap Up

Finally, the rest of our Chicago visit, in pictures.

Enjoy!

Fun in the water,

in the rickshaw,

(Yes, that is my brother in the driver's seat. See what a degree in oil painting gets you. Just kidding Vinnie-Love YOU!)

at the zoo,

at the Lily Pond,

(this is hidden behind the zoo-like a secret garden)

the dogs,

(both kinds)

and of course more fun in the pool.

Sort of .

Now I just need to take all this great inspiration and go create.

Happy Creating!

Rhiannon

Chicago Fun!

Here are photos of some of the fun we are having.

Try not to be too jealous :)

The Zoo.

Played in some water.

Ate lemons...

..with Grandma.

Having too much fun.

Happy Weekend!

Rhiannon

Congratulations Vinnie!!!

Here are some pictures from Vinnie's graduation. It was a very nice ceremony.

They put together a slide show of the graduates artwork, all of their talent was quite impressive. You can check out some of Vinnie's art here.

Thankfully it did not take too long, because I parked in 2hr parking and risked being towed.

Their guest speaker was Howard Terpning. He graduated from the American Academy of Art and was given the Distinguished Alumnus Award.

You may recognize some of his work like...

and this.

We enjoyed a great dinner after. Always good eats in the city.

Here are some pics from the day.

Here's the whole family minus Jason, he had to work. Only an art school can get away with having a graduation on Wednesday at 3:00.

(a sewing note- Maria's dress is from a thrift store skirt.)

Vinnie loved his wallet and card.

Hope you all have a great weekend. I have Internet, so more city pictures to come.

Happy Friday!!

Rhiannon

Graduation

My brother Vinnie is graduating from art school today!! Hooray! I cannot believe I am that old. The kids and I are heading up to the city to attend his ceremony. We are staying until Sunday so probably no post until I get back.

Here is Vinnie and his girlfriend. Sorry Emily it was the recent pic I had.

This is a picture of all three of my little brothers. I love those guys. I am the oldest and the only girl, so I spent a lot of time babysitting. From the left Donnie, Sammy (miss him so much) and Vinnie.

And here we are at a Steve Martin concert. That's my Jason on the far right.

So you might wonder what do you give a super hip guy graduating from The Academy of Art, with a degree on Oil Painting. It's a little intimidating making him anything, because he is a brilliant artist and super creative.

We made...

a wallet out of the kiddos paintings.

I used contact paper to stiffen the paper. I think this would also be a cut Father's Day gift.

Happy Vacation!

Rhiannon

Going OUT!!

The Hubby and I very rarely get the opportunity to go out alone. Tonight is an exception, we got a sitter. My cousin is going to come sit with the kids, so we can go see ...

..this guy.

That's my little brother Donnie. He has a band with his best friend Ross.

They are called The Heroic Charade and

they are performing at a local bar tonight, thanks to Kelly (Megan's sister).

So tonight promises to be filled with family, friends, great music and maybe..

..some dancing? Yeah, probably not the dancing.

Check out The Heroic Charade  and give them a listen.

Happy Listening!

Rhiannon

Footstool and Cuteness

Footstool.....

...now for Cuteness

I love his laugh.

He is growing up way too fast for me.

Once again a simple shoot for the blog turned into a complete photo session.

Good thing my kids are pros.

I thought this was just funny.

Happy Cuteness!

Rhiannon