Boys (and girls) and their toys!

Last week we took a family "vacation" to Canandaigua, NY for a national tractor show. I'm using the terms 'tractor show' loosely as there were antique steam engines too and the term "vacation" as I did do some work remotely in the mornings and let's face it, looking at antique equipment for 4 days is not my idea of a vacation! But it was time together so that's all that mattered.

My husband brought his newest project along, his 1932(?) CAT 25 crawler tractor. He literally finished painting it a week before we were to leave. My husband is an avid CAT crawler tractor collector. He owns about 15 of them. This one is by far the prettiest. I think he is now going to re-paint all of them as he got many compliments on it. Amelia loves them too. Loves to get rides on them.


Here she is with Daddy - going for her first ride of the day; we had just gotten there and she was ready!

Oh no! What's this?? Grandpa giving Daddy a TOW?? Yup. Daddy's tractor didn't like the 300+ mile ride on the trailer and it wasn't working quite right. See Amelia peeking out there on the left on the tractor?

We saw some other cool machines there. This is a CAT D9. Don't ask me the year. But this isn't the biggest tractor I've seen. I stood next to a CAT D11 6 years ago. That one is a monster. I wanted to take a picture of Amelia in the cab of the tractor but Chris didn't know who owned it.


Okay! We made it to the green! Chris looks very proud of his work.

Amelia next to an antique steam fire engine...

Enjoying some ice cream...

We stayed at the Ramada Inn Lakefront in Geneva, NY. We had an awesome view of the Finger Lakes. It was our "backyard" for the week. I want to go back there and explore some more. It's a beautiful area.

We had wonderful weather on vacation. Sunny but cool. Got a bit hot if you stood in the sun for too long but there was always a breeze.

Chris and I drove up ourselves on Tuesday. Amelia went up Tuesday morning with my in-laws since Chris and I both had to work before leaving. Chris and I stayed overnight in Utica and on Wednesday, he took me to do some fabric shopping. Come back tomorrow and I'll show you what I got!

Enjoy your day!

Jen

Another Blog Giveaway!

Today, blogland is full of giveaways! Stacy at GoldenBirdKnits is celebrating her 100th post! She has a couple of prizes to give away. Fat quarters and some yarn. Your pick!

Here's a pic of the FQs...

Enjoy your day!

Jen

A Blogiversary Giveaway!

Terry at Terry's Treasures is having a 1 year blogiversary celebration giveaway. Go over and leave a comment and see if you're the lucky one! The prize is pretty awesome. Here's just a glimpse.

Enjoy your day!

Jen

Going to the top of my TO DO list!

Vickie at Mid-Ohio Quilter (Knitter) created the CUTEST Moda Bake Shop tutorial. Just the cutest! I can't wait to make a few. Going on my TO DO list for kids christmas gifts. Yup. I am.

Enjoy your day!

Jen

For Abbey

I've been trying to get some sewing time in these days but it's been a challenge. I did get a fleece blanket and coordinating pillowcase made for my niece's upcoming 2nd birthday. Her party is this coming Sunday. I still have to slipstitch my opening closed. I HOPE I can get that done Saturday, once we are home from our trip.

I picked up the fleece months ago for the blanket. I just put it together Monday afternoon. Cutting it close! I love the happy colors and the pretty images on it. I wouldn't mind one for myself just like it! I backed it in a pretty butter yellow fleece.

I pulled out the yellow and orange from the fleece and did a colorful star and moon cuff on the pillowcase.

I hope she likes the gift!

Enjoy your day!

Jen

BEACH DAY!

We made it to the beach this year! On Sunday. It was cloudy and overcast but we had a good time. Amelia wanted to play in the water despite the COLD water and big waves. Her lips were turning blue at one point so no more water play. She dug in the sand with Daddy and her friends Jake and Lucas.

Here's her sorry attempt at a smile. She wanted to go back into the water.

My uncle and family rent a cottage a block away from the beach in Rhode Island for a week. We take a drive and enjoy the day with them every year. This year was extra special because it was Josh's first time at the beach. He enjoyed the sand but not the water. Too cold.

Baby Josh with his Mommy (my cousin).

And back at the cottage, relaxing. Amelia with my uncle (Josh's Grandpa and Amelia's great uncle, I guess) and Josh.

We had a great time. Can't wait for next year!

I am getting ready to go on another mini vacation. Last one for a while. We are all headed up to Canindaigua, NY for a tractor/antique construction show. Our hotel is right on one of the Finger Lakes so we'll have some fun. But I do have to bring my work laptop with me so that I can log in a couple of times and check my email and make sure things are being addressed. So part vacation/part work time. But we'll have some fun.

Enjoy your week!

Jen

To be a cat.

Look at him. Mr. LazyBones a.k.a Buddy the cat. Look where he decided to nap and enjoy some sunshine. On my suitcase. And he's a light gray/white cat. On my BLACK suitcase. I'll have to vacuum it before I use it again. Teaches me to leave it on the bedroom floor.



Look at that face. How can you get angry with him? He is such a sweet cat and I didn't want to adopt him as a kitten. I think as I get older, my love for pets is diminishing. I like animals... just would rather not have them in my house. But my husband wanted him and we got Buddy when Amelia was just over a year old so they have both grown up together. She loves him dearly and he is so patient with her.

He ADORES my husband. Follows Chris around the house like he's a dog. Everywhere Chris goes, Buddy follows. I make a decent substitute when Chris isn't home. LOL.

Enjoy your day!

Jen