Happy Halloween

"Get the Joker, Batman!"

The audio of which sounds more like "Get em yogurt Batman!"

So we made Amira a Batman costume. She, for once, was excited to wear her hat, and did so until the rest of her costume was complete.

At first she was hesitant to put on the costume, until she had the cape on. Then it all came alive for her, and she was hooked.

The introduction of candy to this holiday has sealed the deal.

We have been looking at these scare crows all month.

Amira was a little shy to go up to the houses without being held by mom and dad. Though as the candy kept coming, her confidence built up.

Adrian tried to decorate our house to lure some trick or treaters to our street. Our adjacent street is mobbed with kids, but as a side street, it is a little quite here. That's fine, a peaceful night to eat our booty. I mean, Amira can't eat all her candy:)

Felting

So, I am back in hat season. Once I start, I just keep going!

I have started experimenting more with pattern and felting.

At the beginning of the season, I was designing very graphic looks. But in the course of just a few weeks, I feel like I have done a 180.

Meanwhile, we are also busy making Amira's Halloween costume. At least we didn't wait until the night before. We plan to trick or treat for the first time. Adrian and I will just have to try to leave work a little early so we have time to go around the neighborhood.

And now off to bed for me!

RISD Sale 2011

Today was the RISD 2011 Alumni & Student Sale.

I got off to a rough start, forgetting a few key items, but my neighbor was helpful-and I was able to make do.

This year I really focused on the Crochet hats.

The old fashioned helmet/1920's flapper style was clear to everyone who came by.

I did a couple felted hats. They turned out well, and I think I will expand in this area.

Headbands also made a comeback this year. I sold nearly all of mine, which was fantastic considering there was some steep competition with that product!

My hats did well also!

I plan on updating my etsy site this weekend with the remainder product.

I had a few helpers today too.

Grandma and Amira spent the day with me. Amira took Grandma all around! Grandma and I both were exhausted! Amira has boundless energy. But for being at a fair all day, she was really in good spirits and even helpful. I showed her my old studio, the printing presses, and an old teacher of mine did a silk screen demonstration, which engaged Amira.

And now to bed!

What's Been Going On

This picture is overexposed, but beautiful. The sun is shinning through Amira.

We've been wanting sunshine lately. Not just because it feels to soon for fall... This picture above is not of a swamp, though it certainly felt like one, but of my parents back yard.

The aftermath of hurricane Irene caused the Mohawk river to surge and rush through many upstate New York towns, and finally crash into Waterford NY. You can see the waterline on the house for how high the water was. The whole village was covered in mud.

Adrian and his friends came to help dig out the yard, while my father and sister cleaned out the downstairs. The walls, doors and windows did not keep the mud outside.

Some evidence of the strength of the water. This picnic table was moved across the yard, and wedged here in the bushes.
Amira and I spent some time sorting through old items on the second floor.
I can't believe how big she has gotten this summer!
And being a full fledged toddler, she gets to have much more fun making messes.

And she is able to participate they way we do in various activities. Carrying the bag, picking apples herself.

Hunting loose chicken (just to give an apple to of course.)

And smiling for the camera:)

A little Summer

I have been a little absent from my blog this summer.

But only because we have had such an active summer.

Exploring our neighborhood.


Taking boat rides.

And all around enjoying ourselves:)

Amira is 2!

This weekend we celebrated Amira's second birthday!

Friends and family came out to Castle Island for a barbecue.

We sang the Happy Birthday song.

She loved her cake!

And her new wagon!

And after friends left, she chilled with a new book.
Thank you to everyone that came and made the day special!

Day at the Beach

We went to the south shore today to enjoy our first day at the beach this season. We dug a hole, Amira climbed in it. We sunbathed, and sand blew on our blankets. We jumped over waves, and never felt too hot. Amira made many friends, and we left before high tide washed away our blanket. Finished it with fish at Jake's fish market and ice cream at DQ. Indulgent and perfect!