Springtime at Biltmore

 It's tulip season again, so around these parts that means heading over to the Biltmore Estate and their amazing bulb gardens.  Of course, the Presh Head was in tow.  I have been training her on the tulips in our front yard.  We've practiced "tender touch" and have identified "tulip babies"- unopened tulips.  She was thrilled to be surrounded by the absolute beauty of the Biltmore tulips.  Take a look:

 Not a bad way to spend a morning out.

I Want to Ride My (Tri)cycle, I Want to Ride My (Tr)ike

See what I did there?  It's a play on the song by Queen.  Check it out if you have never listened to it.  

Anyhow, on to the point.  

Ella Brooks received a Radio Flyer Tricycle for her birthday in November.  Two things have happened since November that have resulted in us finally getting to use the tricycle:

1.  Beautiful weather that requires us to play outside.

2.  Longer legs.  On the two year old, that is.

The cheeky smile reigns in our photo opportunities.  Apparently, it is very funny to a 28 month old.

We concentrate very hard even though daddy both propels and steers.

She absolutely loves riding her tricycle.  Especially with her daddy.

It's because he insists on doing tricks, like popping wheelies.

It's our new afternoon routine.  Daddy comes home from work and we head outside to ride our trike.  

Happy Spring, y'all!

Mommying a Girl

I am not a girly girl.  I never have been.  I did enjoy dressing up, playing with barbies and all of that.  However, I have never been into primping.  Manis/pedis are a rarity (think three or four times in the last ten years).  I prefer my hair pulled back and Danskos on my feet over perfect locks and Christian Louboutin shoes.  

Then the good Lord decided to give me this sweet, precious thing:

And, oh, how I love her.  However, I am having to learn a great deal about being a girly girl.  

Case in point: 

Being a girly girl involves princesses.  Lots of princesses.

And it involves princess accessories.  Lots of accessories.

Being a girly girl involves purple tutus and cinderella princess dresses. 

And I love it.  The total package.  Tiny princess doll attire and all.

Actively Inactive

As I look over the blog I realize there has been a great deal of time between entries.  There are several reasons for the inactivity- most of them are good:

EB's new Anthropologie inspired pillow

Pillow details

Valentine's Wreath

A quilt in progress

There are other reasons for the silence in blog land.  EB and I have been under the weather for the past 2 weeks along with the rest of Black Mountain.  Also, our house is back on the market, so there has been a flourish of activity around organizing toddler toys and general preparations for showings.  It's been a wild ride the past couple of weeks, but as you can see above, the creating must go on!

 

These Boots Are Made For. . .

 Splashing!

 And that's just what they'll do. . .

And one of these days these boots are going to splash all over you.

If you don't have any rain boots, Ella Brooks suggests you go out and get yourself a pair.

The In-Loves

Chris' side of the family has a lovely name for in-laws:  in-loves.  I am always introduced as their daughter-in- love.  I appreciate that title because it sets the tone for a comfortable and meaningful relationship.  I am not only someone who was adopted into their family because of the laws of the state of North Carolina, but because of love.  I feel welcomed and embraced by his family.  In fact, I feel loved by his family.  

And how I love watching them love their granddaughter.  Christmas provided us with ample opportunity to cozy up to their warmth. 

Mimi and EB

Bean surveying his realm

The Four Maslin Generations (there was a mirror on the table that caught a glare)

Nana reading to EB.  Ella Brooks loved Nana instantly because she shares the name of one of her favorite characters- Nana the nursemaid in Peter Pan.

 

EB and Poppy sharing a Mrs. Potato Head moment.

EB discovered MamaB's reading glasses. 

MamaB and Poppy look over their photo album.

The four Brooks generations.

Me, my mom-in-love, and EB

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with your families, in loves and all!

Creative Juices

 I love it when friends have babies.  Besides the anticipation and joy, it gives me an excuse to get my creative juices flowing.  Here's my latest creation for the Abel family, who welcomed their sweet Lila to the family last month. 

These canvases were in the 8 inch range.

I discovered a new found liking for embroidery.

Applique is not as difficult as I thought.

The most labor intensive letter of all.  French knots take forever!

I was inspired by Anna Maria Horner's book "Handmade Beginnings."  

Welcome, little Lila.  We are so glad you are here!