That Was Then / This Is Now (31)

Remember when I used to have time to sew? I don't, but I guess it's true. I made Dillon a candy-themed romper, which she wore shopping one day with some Sophia Loren-esque shades. Four years later, ditto for Quinn at the zoo.

Taken 10/15/2013

Taken 7/3/2017

First Day TK

Dillon has blown past another big milestone: elementary school. We have successfully launched our oldest into the academic stratosphere, otherwise known as transitional kindergarten, TK or just kinder. Dillon accessorized her dress all on her own and I think she looks great! The sign was a quick craft project that is now hanging up in her room.

Like many comedians, Dillon's motto is "Anything for a laugh."

Best dressed TKer in San Diego!

Butterfly and Caterpillar Go Trick or Treating

When I asked Dillon months ago what she wanted to be for Halloween she told me she wanted to be a VW Beetle. This filled me with dread because I had no idea how I was going to make a car costume. Luckily, when I asked later, she said she wanted to be a butterfly--much more doable! Also, I thought Quinn would be the perfect hungry caterpillar to go along with her big sister butterfly.

The very hungry caterpillar...

...and the firebird princess butterfly...

...love each other.

We went to a friend's party for Halloween and along the way ran into this villain.

Unlikely friends.

 At school, Dillon opted for a Cyndi Lauper costume. I bet the real Batgirl and Cyndi would get along just swell.

Best buds.

Hobo Kitchen

A while ago I tried to talk Craig into buying Dillon a fancy play kitchen but he wasn't into it. So I did the next best thing: I made one out of cardboard boxes. Order up!

Bringing home the groceries.

Whisking some stuff.

Nuking some stuff.

Safety first: always wear an oven mitt!

I am most proud of this drawing I made for her kitchen.

That Was Then / This Is Now (XIII)

Remember the first thing I ever sewed for Dillon? It was a seersucker skirt, and it still fits!

Taken: 3/17/2013

Taken: 3/20/2014

Sewing: Teepee

My biggest sewing project to date was a play teepee for Dillon. I was able to finish most of it in time for a big reveal on Christmas morning, I have to say, I wouldn't mind taking a nap in there sometime...

Ruby enjoys hanging out in the teepee.

Zeus also enjoys hanging out in the teepee.

Sometimes even Dillon enjoys hanging out in the teepee.

Teepee dress code: crown required; shirt optional.

Balboa Park Walkabout

Dillon and I get to spend most Sunday morning together. We often go to Balboa Park because it's so close to church. Here is our latest photo shoot, where she beautifully models the "10,000 Leagues Under the Sea" dress I made:

Playing hide n seek.

Trying to get a better look at the ducks.

Sewing: Felt Food

If you have ever looked at felt food online you will understand when I say "I die." It's all so unbearably cute, I had to try and make some for Dillon. I've done two projects so far--a hamburger play set for which I didn't have a pattern (thus it's, um, "homemade" looking), and a pancake play set for which I did have a pattern (read: better looking). Keep an eye out for Dillon Burgers--coming soon to a strip mall near you.

I'll have a Texas burger, please!

I looooove french fries!

Sharing ketchup with daddy.

Yummy breakfast.

Sewing: Tea Party Dress and Playsuit

My latest adventures in Oliver & S sewing was a tea party dress and playsuit. The dress was difficult because of the separate panels and lining and the playsuit was difficult because I learned a tough lesson about fabric patterns lining up. Still, I think both were successful and Dillon seems not to mind the wonky stitches.

"20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" dress:

 

Modeling it on a walk through Balboa Park:

 

"Dillon's Candy Shop" playsuit (you can see pictures of it on Dillon here):

This is Halloween

Despite this being Dillon's 3rd Halloween, this is really the first time she has been an active participant. However, as I was just coming off of her flamingo party frenzy, I didn't have any time to put together a proper outfit (nor was I very motivated to spend hours on an outfit that would see 40 minutes of action...in the dark), so we jury-rigged something from clothes she had around the house, including the tutu I made when I was pregnant. I present to you: Dillon Ballerina. The best part was the Halloween fairy who magically transformed all of Dillon's candy (except for one tiny Kit Kat) into money overnight!

Someone is not thrilled with Halloween.

Still not happy...(to be fair I accidentally put a 12 month onesie on her)

Hitting the streets looking for candy.

This bag is getting heavy!

The Flamingo Party

To celebrate Dillon's 2nd birthday we threw her a flamingo party in the park. Originally we were going to have a flamingo pinata, but structural as well as moral issues were raised, so instead we ended up with a lovely centerpiece!

That's a pretty good looking flamingo!

Flamingo cake!

Singing to the birthday girl.

Flamingos love swings.

And, man, do flamingos love cake!

Dillon plays her own version of bean bag toss.

Presents!!

Dillon is 2!!!!

Dillon is officially 2. Whether it will be "terrible" or not, only time will tell. As with last year's birthday, I took the day off from work so I could frolic with my little lamb. She was dressed in the candy play suit I sewed for her. Happy birthday, little one!

First Dillon played with her new jewelry box.

Then we had breakfast at The Broken Yolk.

Then we went to the mall to play in the fountains.

We tried on some clothes at American Apparel.

We strutted.

We carried our purchases around.

We rested.

We combed the new kitty from Build-a-Bear.

Rides for Dillon and Ruby.