So early in the season, the water was around fifty degrees, the kind of chilly where even just dipping your toes in cools off your entire body. Nicholas brought Cooper up to the top of a dune and then they ran down, he took a video with our new GoPro camera (Cooper's face is priceless, such joy). We're looking forward to making good use of our annual parks pass. More beach days, sunshine, picnic lunches, and swimming ahead...

Sewing-wise, I finished what may be my most-involved non-apparel sewing project: a quilted tote for my mom for mother's day. Last time they visited, she brought along some fabric and mentioned that if I wanted to sew a tote for her at some point, I could use it. After exploring Erica Ardnt's channel on YouTube a bit when I made my drawstring tote, I came across her tutorial for a quilted weekend tote. I'm very visual, especially with learning new sewing techniques, so I love the format of a video tutorial (and bonus, it's free)...

Even within my heart and personal life, I have days rife with longing and grief and fear, where tears come easily. I can't speak for you, reader. I won't assume anything about your life right now. But my aim in writing about life's little things is to add a little lightness, if I can...

The other night, I pulled out a melamine tray, plated our dinner (egg casserole), and grabbed a sparkling water. We laid out our favorite thrifted picnic quilt (I think it was my mom's find a long time ago). Cooper ate ground beef and blackberries, took sips of our sparkling water. We left our shoes off, enjoying the feeling of bare feet in grass--all three of us...

Since I lasted posted about finished projects, I finished two pairs of socks. First, a pair of slipper-type socks for Nicholas. I have only ever knit toe-up socks twice, both times with this pattern. Nicholas has already worn them a few times...