for the road

We had a such great time at the family ranch in New Mexico: A few more photos are in order.

 Cousins were everywhere.

 A tooth was lost.

Songs were sung around the campfire.

 New games were learned ("May I").

 George fell asleep on a quad ride.

Newly-turned 12 year-olds drove quads.

The hoedown was a blast.

We put the swing to good use.

 We said goodbye, until next year.

circus flags

I finished this quilt just in time to take it with me to Bluewater, where I gave it to my niece, Charlotte, and her mom. Charlotte is not an infant anymore. Nonetheless, a quilt was due. 

I used See Kate Sew's tutorial. I like it when awesome quilt bloggers are willing to share their patterns and ideas. I've had this one pinned for quite some time. I am calling my version "Circus Flags."

Hank and George are my new quilt holders, since the older kids moan and whine about the inconvenience and physical toll that holding quilts takes on them.

Turns out, even the three years olds couldn't be bothered with it for very long. 

So I brought it inside for a few more photos.

Charlotte was not all that impressed.

But her mom liked it. That's what makes me happy.

Here's the back.

I tried scallops for the first time (the shapes, not the sea creatures) and I think I am in love with this quilting technique. It was a good way to soften the sharp triangles and pretty simple to maneuver through my machine.

bluewater ranch

Three days in the Land of Enchantment at my in-laws' ranch was just what we needed after two weeks of school. We traded homework and schedules for horses, quads and freedom. Oh, and lots of cousins and delicious food! Did I mention cooler weather and rain? It was wonderful.

Hank wore his pink boots, naturally. These were a neighbor's hand-me-down to Molly when she was four. But Molly didn't have the boot obsession like Hank does. They are his favorite shoes, even at home.

George has an abiding love for Poppy, the dog. Poppy's not sure if she wants to return his affections though.

These boys are all within six months of each other. They played pretty well, with only the occasional brawl.

The cousins put on a talent show that was most entertaining! No lack of stage presence and charm in this family.

are you tough enough?

the ranch is for tough guys. rattlesnake-killing, outdoor-exploring, football-kicking, gun-shooting, quad-riding tough guys.

and tough girls.