Labor Day across the bay

We went to Homer for our Labor Day holiday and had a weekend full to the brim of friends, family and fun times.  I took 288 photos, and there were so many good ones that I fear I have included about 287 here.  Riggs and his cousin Morgan were so happy to be together, grabbing each other's faces and kissing each other as often as possible.

There was quite a variety of weather, including pouring rain, sunshine, blustery wind, misty fog, and daylong drizzle, and I enjoyed all of it.  We ate delicious foods (farm fresh veggies, king salmon, and both steamed and fried clams), enjoyed fabulous company, and did so much each day that we slept like babies each night.  It came to an end much too quickly, and I believe that next year we will take a longer chunk of time off from our own routines to spend more time across the bay.

When we first drove into Homer, we headed to Steve's moms house to eat breakfast and spend some time with her.  Steve's brother Ben headed over with Morgan, and we had a nice morning eating and chatting together.  I took the chance to take some family photos, and Dotti was so happy to get time with both her grandbabies at once!

Then we headed out to the spit to head across the bay.  There was just one problem - the seas were a little too rough for Ben and Steve's tastes, so we ate lunch at a local place and then hung out on the beach in the wind to watch Ben and some of his friends kiting at Mariner Park.

After waiting a few hours, the boys decided the waves had laid down just enough for us to cross and we splashed the boat and headed out of the harbor.  As soon as we turned the corner and were slowing down into Little Tutka Bay, I could feel my excitement rising at being away from the labor day induced crowds in town and over there, away from all that noise and rushing.  There is just something magical about the way time seems to slow and stress just melts away whenever we are there.

Each season is beautiful in its own way,  but early fall is especially magical because all of the greenery has grown so big, nearly all the plants tower above you and the sun can barely filter through down to reach you.  I always feel as though I am in an enchanted forest where I might glimpse a fairy or find a gnome house around some corner.

We headed inside to eat dinner and spend the evening talking and catching up on what we've all been doing.  It was so cozy and warm and calming, and we went to bed later than we usually would.  Riggs fell asleep pretty early in the scope of the evening and slept peacefully surrounded by the voices of his loved ones.  I am so happy that he will have memories like these as he grows, as I look back at times like this with the warmest of feeling.  As the sun was setting, I was just blown away by the beauty all around me.  This is earth is so precious and gives so much and I am so thankful to God for making this place our home.

 In the morning, we were up early and Steve headed back to the Homer side to pick up Ben, Mercedes and Morgan so that they could join in the fun.  When they got back, we had pancakes filled with pineapple and freshly picked blueberries and then we headed outside in the rain to dig out some clams.  In addition to the clams, the low tide exposed a variety of other sea creatures for us to explore.

We went back inside to eat lunch and warm up, and the babies had such a fun time playing together.  Morgan has loved Riggs so much since he was just a teeny newborn, and it is so lovely to see him return her regard.  Playing seemed to wear them out, and it was soon time for a long nap for both babies and some time for the mama's to relax and read.

After dinner there was snuggling, laughing, playing, and games with grandma...

It was such a fantastic weekend and we all had a lovely time.  If only such great times would last longer!  I was happy to snap this picture of the four generations together...such a handsome group of guys and gals!

KCCO: Tutka edition

Both in our old apartment, where we brought Tutka home, and in our new home there is not carpet in the living spaces.  The floor is hard, especially for the growing puppy who doesn't get to go in the bedrooms where there is carpet, or on the couch (like Beau).  We have been meaning to get him a dog bed, but haven't wanted to shell out even the $20 they are at Costco (which is a great deal compared to everywhere else).

Luckily, Steve had a piece of foam out in the shed that was quite big and so I searched around for a piece of fabric to cover it.  I found what I was looking for, a thick and sturdy vintage sheet, at the thrift store, and brought it home, ready to cut and stitch it to the necessary proportions.  It turned out well, very simple, yet cute.  And I actually ended up love the fabric much better than all of the dog bed fabrics that I have seen in stores.  Tutka seems to like it too, which means it is truly a success.

linked up with Nicole at Frontier Dreams for Keep Calm Craft On {crafting on}

thrifted treasures

I just love a good thrifting trip.  I have had such good luck the last couple of trips that I thought I'd share some of my favorite finds.  There are two thrift stores (that I know of) here in Palmer, Family First Treasures and Bishops Attic.  I've found a few good thing at each place, and one of the things I love is that there is a lot to search through!  That's one of my favorite things about thrifting, spending an hour (or more...or much more) in the small, but packed stores, sorting through things that seem to have no value for a gem here and there.

I found this beautiful teal colored Fiesta mug at Family First Treasures for $0.50 - really?  I was so excited, especially because it is in perfect condition.  I also picked out two other mugs, a lovely deep, dark blue and another teal colored mug with a beautiful shape.

Then the most exciting find of all was the four glass insulators that I found on a high shelf near the cash register, a sort of a neglected spot that I barely spotted as I was about to leave.  Three of them are on the original wire still, and I can't wait to clean them up and put them on display.

I'd love to find a few blue or green versions as well, but for now I am very happy with these.  I love that they're so beautiful and have such a history, as well as a significance to our family since Steve is a lineman apprentice and will (hopefully) be in the trade for many years to come. We love our lineman and are thankful to him for working so hard!