Six Weeks? Already?

the doll quilt for my niece Paloma

The abuelos are spending their last weekend of this trip with us before they head out on Tuesday. They have been SO much help (have you noticed the increased frequency of blog posts, for one?). I seriously don't know how I am going to manage without all the freedom and extra time I have had during the day to get things done. From righting car problems without a squirmy toddler in tow, to sewing projects and date nights, we have been so spoiled and blessed by their being here these last six weeks. Let me say it loudly now because I am absolutely THANKFUL! And let me say this too - Doña Aida's dinner tonight could easily be my last meal it was so delicious..

the Portabello Pixie dress

So I wanted to show off a couple of my many sewing projects I finished while they kept Isabella entertained.

isa swing woodnewton park 16 mos

Grown-ups? Where?

These are more photos from the 4th of July at our village park. The zip wire is fabulous - you should come visit us just so you can try it for yourself!

Happy Birthday, Pedro!

Pedro turned 34 this weekend and to celebrate, we all packed ourselves into the car for a road trip to possibly the last Roman ruin we hadn't seen in Britain. We went to Verulamium in the London 'burb of St. Albans. It was spectacular.

Then we got back into the car and had dinner at Pedro's favorite sushi restaurant in Cambridge. The restaurant was thankfully packed with loud people, so no one could hear Isabella's tired shouts for freedom.


All in all, we had a really nice time and wrapped up the night with my homemade chocolate birthday cake.

In other news, Isabella is officially potty training. This is not at my behest, but at her own free will. At 16 months she tells me in advance when she has to go potty, then she sits on her potty patiently...and goes. I had heard cloth diapers might encourage things along, but I didn't expect it so soon. She has been able to do this hit and miss (EC style) since infancy, but nothing I've put much effort into. But unlike Kate from the now defunct Jon & Kate plus 8, I won't be posting photos of that!

Video Backlog

I am finally getting around to uploading some videos, so hopefully in the next few days there will be more posted. The problem is that my computer's hard disk is almost full so doing anything like this takes an incredibly long time to do. Keep checking back!

Happy Fourth!

in the kiddie pool - hot weather here!

Isabella and "Abi" - enjoying blueberries, apple, and hummus

sharing her apple

I LOVE this photo

Here are some of this week's photos, taken with my new camera. I got it the same week that my old one had a final meltdown. Happy fourth of July everyone!