Bateau Neck Pattern Testing (fab pattern by Aesthetic Nest)

I got to do some pattern testing! :) Read all about the pattern and see more adorable tops at Aesthetic Nest! This top turned out so cute! I intended to make a french terry dress version but I realized it wouldn't be finished before the deadline so I'll have to do it another time. :)

I sized up one size b/c the polka dot knit wasn't very stretchy. I also shortened the sleeves for summer. Ansley likes the polka dots and the little pockets. I love how the neckline fits and sits on her little frame. I also used a double needle for the first time. I wish I'd had a knit double needle though, b/c the universal one didn't get along with my fabric. I will have to use it on some wovens though. :)

Fun on the Fourth

We got billman's burgers, Mexican corn on the cob, and (not that great) strawberry lemonade down by the river. It was super hot. It seems like it's been much hotter this summer than any of the other summers we've lived here.





I made my dress by tracing one of my cap sleeve shirts and extending it to the widest possible width on the bottom (half of the fabric width). The stripes actually lined up, which is pretty awesome. I used knit stay tape on the neckline, sleeves, and the bottom hem and it worked perfectly. Ansley didn't want to wear her fourth of July dress and the fabric I used for mine was sold out so she wore this one I got for under ten dollars from Crazy 8. I'm thinking I should make a matching skirt for me. . . . The bucket hat is from last year, using the oliver + s pattern.





We bought some fireworks and snaps. Ansley had a lot of fun.









I didn't take any pictures of the local fireworks b/c we didn't camp out for a great spot and I already had a lot from Celebrate America. The next night our neighbors set off some:





And we had some of our own.

Celebrate America!

Celebrate America is such a fun and patriotic gathering at Huntsman Springs (link). The Huntsman family is so generous to invite the public!! We had a great time last year (here and here) and were excited about the fireworks again. I was pleasantly surprised that the food vendors didn't shut down as early as last year (though the lines were really long and we somehow missed the dueling pianos?!?! I had assumed the speakers would be as loud as last year but they weren't. At least our Billman's burgers were good!) and the bouncy houses and kids' activities didn't close super early. After the wind and rainstorm, the clouds cleared and it was a perfect evening. We were also able to exit off a back access road, which saved hours waiting in traffic. And the fireworks and presentation were superb- especially Lee Greenwood.





















Listening to the Beach Boys. I took this picture when it was nearly dark.



The rockets' red glare.











Happy birthday America!

Quick Visit

So glad my mom and brother came to see us for a day and a half! Poor Ansley sobbed for an hour after they left.







We visited Mesa Falls. As luck would have it, it started to rain, again. But, thankfully, it wasn't 100 degrees!

Misty Mountains.

















We also went to Harriman State Park. The rain wasn't quite enough to keep the mosquitos away.







Ansley really wanted to walk with Isaac. It was pretty much the cutest thing.









Not willing to recreate the picture from last year.









The closest I've been to a moose.









Helping Isaac play an app.