We have a ton of projects around our house (yay for Kevin.)  Our mudroom is a total catch-all for bats, balls, cleats, sweatshirts and lots of mud.  We decided to make a bench with room underneath for baskets to catch all the paraphernalia.    Pinterest is a very dangerous place that I enjoy hanging out.  I find so many projects for Kev to keep busy with.  This is our mudroom before:  (or during)

This is today’s progress to date.  I still need to paint everything and pick out a color for walls above the paneling.  I’m thinking of going with a light blue and then accenting with navy and gold.  Not sure yet.  The trim and paneling color is powder sand (I just love the name.)

I have a new favorite drink, next to coffee that is.  Sweet mint tea.  I’ve been drinking it by the gallon.  I simmer a large amount of mint in a pot with regular tea bags for a couple hours, then add a bit of powdered sweet iced tea mix.  (I know it is not specific, but you get the idea)  The combo is perfection and so refreshing!The weather has been beyond beautiful this week, even yesterdays rain was welcomed.  I completed my planting for the front yard (I’m hoping for no late frosts :)  Pink begonias & yellow lantana were purchased at Cabin Hill Nursery in Ellington CT.

I’m using Madelinetosh Lace (held double) in Turquoise and Madelinetosh Tosh light in Antique lace (single).  I wasn’t sure if using the two different weights would give me a ripple effect with the striping, but it doesn’t. It’s turning out much nicer than I expected!

Remember Katie’s version?

Katie is out with Grandma Midge today which reminds me I had some pictures I wanted to share.  Last week Katie, Colleen and I took Grandma out for her 91st birthday.  She looks great, doesn’t she?  She’s a good Grandma and has been a nonstop knitter since we were little. ‘Gotta love her for that.

Last week I finished Sirin which is a spring/summer tank made in a worsted weight yarn.

             I really enjoyed this knit because it was quick and the variation in pattern kept things interesting.  I used Spud & Chloe sweater yarn in the sweater weight and waterslide color.

I started this project while I was still pregnant and was really unsure of how it would fit when it was done.  While I’m happy that it fits at all, I’ll be even happier with the fit after we lose a few more baby lbs. Sometimes knitting in the summer slows down because it’s hard to imagine knitting a warm winter sweater in the heat, but if you want to keep your summer knitting going, I’d recommend this knit! Ravelry project here.

The dads…

and the moms..

Brooklyn really loved the warm weather, the sunshine and the breeze. She was in her glory!  Her bright blue eyes are sensitive though so we had to pick up a pair of stylin’ sunglasses for her.  She liked those too!

I got to try out some of her summer clothes. It was fun playing dress up and I think she thought she was pretty cute too!

But no matter how many cute outfits we had, there is nothing better to a baby than being naked.

A few frame-ables

This is Logan. He’s a 9 month old little sweetheart who loves to go go go! Before our trip we picked up a few beach tents.  Best money we’ve spent in a long time.  They are SPF material and they zip and they stay cool inside. The set up is a snap – you just pull a string and it pops open. If you have a little one and you’re headed to the beach this summer, I highly recommend this tent. Logan would play for hours in the tent, protected from the sun and happy.  That way his mommy could relax a little!

He did give the sand a taste, not so sure he liked it.  Good thing daddy was there to the rescue!

This is Harrison.  He’s an easy goin’ handsome little guy. He is very loved by his mommy and daddy. Can’t you see why? He’s beautiful!

He liked hanging out in the tent too!

Harrison liked the water, unlike Brooklyn who hated it!

She’s a happy girl when she’s on the beach!     

She got a little sad when I told her we were goin’ home, but if this is a preview of how our summer will be, it’s going to be a goooood summer!

Well it’s a lot cuter now!

Let’s look at those blue eyes a little closer, shall we?

She’s such a doll!

(Sorry ’bout the garbage cans)

So what have I got planned for these goodies?  Let’s label them so you can see!

A – The floor mirror  I’ve been diggin’ these lately.  This one needs nothing but a good cleaning. It’s got some really good aging and is extremely heavy duty. I’ve seen them at HomeGoods for a minimum of $100.  This one I scored for $50. I think I got a deal. Here are just a few I had seen on pinterest that got my wheels turning. (Images are linked if you want to view the original source)

B & C – Table turned Ottoman – I think I found the exact table as seen in the pin!  What I really like about the upholstered ottomans?  With a toddler in my near-ish future, I like the fact that when she falls and hits her head (because it’s bound to happen) it’ll be a soft landing! No hard table corners to freak over. The total for all 3 tables I got? $40.

D – Window pane mirrors – Again, I found a pretty good option for these.  The color might match the living room or I might end up repainting the panes, but either way…after a quick cleaning and maybe a little paint I’ll have just what I was looking for.  All 4 mirrors were just $30. I really like how it makes the room look larger!

Once we’re all moved into the house and everything is in its rightful place, I’ll share photos of the final pieces!

This morning we did have a frost, I just went outside before the sun hit the plants and watered them.  So far, so good!  If we are going to have a real heavy frost I will cover the plants with sheets.

I had some knitting time as well, and have made progress on my test knit.  Updates soon!