Happy Birthday, Grandad Cool!

We love you so much, and we are so honored to have you as a dad and grandad. We hope you can celebrate today!

The Three Cools Get Ready for Winter

Hobbit Day: The Aftermath

There was a fearful mess in the room, and piles of unwashed crocks in the kitchen. Nearly every pot and pan he possessed seemed to have been used. The washing-up was so dismally real that Bilbo was forced to believe the party of the night before had not been part of his bad dreams, as he had rather hoped.
~The Hobbit, Chapter Two

(after two loads have already run in the dishwasher . . .)

A Kid-Friendly Hobbit Day

September 22nd, in The Lord of the Rings, is Frodo and Bilbo's shared birthday, and we celebrated today with a hobbit food day, a watching of the Veggie Tales film Lord of the Beans, and Lego playtime with Frodo and Gandalf. We are stuffed but happy!

Left, top to bottom:
Breakfast--blueberry coffee cake (Grammie Joy's recipe) and bacon
Second Breakfast--skillet apple pancake
Elevensies--cheese, apple, and crackers
Tea--scones, honey butter, peach jam,, cinnamon yogurt pretzels, and apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies
On right, Supper--beef stew, salad, wheat cheese muffins

Finale--Apple-Plum Cardamom Cake

Yay, Sista Cool! Ovarian Cancer Awareness/Remembrance Bracelet

My awesome Sista Cool made this bracelet!

12/12 in 2012: A Maple Mizzle

What's that? A monthly shawl completed early in the month?! I'm shocked too! The Mizzle pattern just flew off the needles in Sweet Georgia's Maple yarn. I loved this whole knitting experience, especially that I finished it before all the leaves changed color!

Denver Zoo: As big as a bear?

Almost, but not quite.

Denver Zoo: How Far Can You Jump?

Challenge accepted.

Denver Zoo: Observing Family Units at the Zoo

Denver Zoo: Cousin Exploration

12/12 in 2012: August Shawl and a Little Teal

Whoops! I tried to change my tabs and the blogger app ate my post. Quick facts: Fabulous Hithchhiker Pattern by Martina Behm, HazelKnits yarn in the Nemo colorway.

As I model this shawl with my Ovarian Cancer Awareness teal, I can report I love this shawl and will make more!

Edited to add a picture with its final recipient!

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Among the many things September is--the start of school, fall--it is also a month to remember, honor, support, and educate about ovarian cancer. My
Mom found hers early, and so we had 7 more years with her. My home state of Wyoming, according to ovariancancerawareness.org, ranks last in awareness and education on ovarian cancer. That is scary to me, as among the major symptoms--bloating, fatigue, frequent urination, changes in menstruation, feeling full quickly--are many things women take as part of their lot in life. So, my few readers, educate yourselves, and wear teal on Friday, September 7.

Things We Do for Fun

Snapshots from our life--fingerpainting, playing Superhero Chutes and Ladders, and waiting for capsule jungle animals!