Last week, we had 3 days of beautiful weather. We spents hours upon hours playing outside - I got a slight sunburn. The day these photos were taken, the weather had gotten nippy again (and I hadn't fixed Holly's hair for a couple days). But it was still really fun! Chasing a couple toddlers always gets the blood flowing! And these girls were so happy to spend time together after not seeing each other for over a week that they fought less than usual. It's a love-hate.
Yay! Another something something for me. The pattern is Simplicity 2246 and I made a different view earlier this year. I love this pattern. And I love this shirt dress. I had to buy this fabric when I saw it - it's so cheerful! The pattern came together easily although it was a work in progress for at least a week. From start to finish, things take more time these days because usually at the beginning of naptime I need to do lunchtime clean up or something else comes up that requires naptimes hours. I can only do so much it turns out! But, I'm doing well at working through the fabric that I already have. I'm proud of myself for that! I would love to figure out a way to alter this pattern so that I can make some cute shirts (not shirt dresses). But, I don't have a body form (or really any place to put one for that matter). One day! Perhaps I'll come up with a way to make a shirt out of it anyways. I think I can with a little more trial and error...
To me, having people over means I can make a dessert that I wouldn't normally make for just my little family because then there will be people to eat more of it so I don't eat it all. So naturally, I made a cake for John and Allison's weekend here. Baking, by the way, is so much better than cleaning. Just in case you were wondering. I used a recipe I saw on Sweetapolita. I've been dying to try this one out! I used decaffeinated coffee in the cake which did intensify the chocolate flavor, and I used the recommended cocoa. It was delicious and I exercised restraint and ate no more than 4 pieces over the weekend.
On Saturday, we left the girls with a friend, and headed up to San Franciso. I love San Francisco. I want to live there so bad! We drove across the Golden Gate, parked and took a little stroll. Then we drove through the city to show John and Allison the amazing architecture and homes. The hill we drove up was insane (top of it is broadway and divisadero)! It doesn't look nearly as steep in the pictures. We found this great little academy that's in one of the gorgeous houses and were able to get our own personal tour (Allison's a Montessori school teacher). I wish I had taken a photo of the toddler-sized solid oak library chairs. I want one! After that, we went to the Mission district and checked out some shops. We ate at Pizzeria Delfina and had ice cream at Bi-Rite Creamery - two SF faves for good reason! The weekend John and Allison visited will always be viewed fondly! Come back soon!
Can I just say how lovely it is to have family visit? I adore my brother, and I love Allison. We were so excited have them come visit. When Holly saw them at the airport, she ran a turbo circle and screamed. Greta wanted to look at them and see what they were about. It wasn't long before she was in their arms. Holly fell in complete love with John and Allison this weekend. She was sad to wake up Monday morning and they weren't here. John and Allison brought a couple gifts, one of which was "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" for Holly. We read it at least a dozen times over the weekend. She loves it! I'm not sure if it's the book that she loves so much as the people who gave it to her. By Sunday night, it was all about John and Allison cuddles. I loved seeing my brother as an Uncle. Holly was clammering all over him. He even took her for a little walk on Sunday before supper. It was a happy weekend. John and Allison, please come back soon!!
