Memorial Day Mini Golf

We stole Sarah and Ryan for the day while Mom made preparations for their summer trip.  Golfland was busy, but not too bad and the weather cooperated.

One of the balls got stuck and we had to fish it out

And yes, I really posed for this picture :)

Ryan's 12 - Photo Dump

 

Ryan turned 12 just in time for Easter Sunday.  He was lucky enough to have one of his uncles and Justus help ordain him as a Deacon.  If you cannot tell from these pictures, Ryan is quite the ham (and we wouldn't have it any other way!).

 

We even managed to get a photo of me...

Tangram Book - Fun project!

A very organized little four year-old had a birthday this week.  This adorable girl has always loved to organize her toys and more recently her clothes.  I wanted to make something for her birthday and I remembered a tutorial I had pinned from Sew Mama Sew.  A Tangram Book!  I had so much fun making this book and even more, the shapes. It came together so quickly, and gave me justification for keeping all of these fabric scraps!

Quarter Mile Quilts Blog

Ok all, I've been thinking about this for a while... My blog has shifted more and more towards quilting lately and not as much as a source of family scrapbook.  With that in mind, I've created a second blog that will be dedicated more to my quilts.  You can find it here, at Quarter Mile Quilts. The web address is: http://quartermilequilts.blogspot.com/

This doesn't mean that I won't occassionally post finished projects here, especially as most of my quilts turn into gifts for others.  Quilting is a part of my life; I've just decided to focus more the important things here.

With all this said, please, please, please will someone promise to slap me on the backside of the head if I ever become an obnoxious blogger? Or too high and mighty for my quilts?  Virtual / over email slaps to head are welcomed as well.  If I'm already there, let me know.

Quarter Mile Quilts is named for my running days in high school and my love for quilting.  If you ran the 400 meter dash, you were referred to as a "quarter miler."  I have such fond memories of running the 400 while my coach was yelling "Come on, my little quarter miler!"

I've started a new quilt I'm calling Sea Glass.  If you're curious, check it out at the new blog.

Sarah Learns to Quilt

At the beginning of December, my little sister, Sarah started to drop hints that she wanted to learn how to quilt.  After a family get together, I took Sarah to the local quilt shop (Cutting Edge Quilts) and she picked out her own set of charm squares and complimenting border fabric.  All of the ladies in the shop were great with her and told her that she needed to return with the finished quilt.  She picked an adorable charm pack from Bonnie and Camille's Marmalade collection.  Once she had fabric in her hands she was anxious to get started.  With the holidays and travel to a wedding, Sarah's excitement had to be put on hold.

On New Years Day, I came over to the house and helped Sarah with her first quilt.  We initially started on our mom's Featherweight machine, but the machine was feeling tempermental.  We then switched over to my machine and enjoyed some smoothing sewing. 

It was great to help teach someone who was so excited to learn. Within the next few days, Sarah had completed the whole top of the quilt on her own. Way to go Sarah-Bear!  Now, to teach her how to hand-quilt... maybe Mom can help her with this one.

Bikes and Zombies

Over the holidays, Justus and I spent time in St. George, Utah for a wedding.  We were able to stay with Justus' brother, Jordan and his family.  On my birthday we rode bikes to the park and then played Zombie tag!  The grown ups were zombies as we chased the kiddos around the playground.  After some practice, Justus and Jordan are the best zombies, but Aunt Katie Kate still needs some work.  How does one take that criticism?

Safety first!

Jordan tries out Kayl's bike

The look of "you can't catch me"

A Zombie slide assault

Justus the Zombie

Whenever Justus and Jordan get together, all of the conservations seem to go back to New York and their memories from growing up there.  I love hearing all of their stories and seeing their faces light up. 

Sarah's New Hobby

Sarah recently participated in an Astronomy night at her school.  She was excited to teach us about the different parts of an Astronaut's uniform and invited us to attend.  I showed up like a proud parent to photograph the presentation (if I'm this way with my little sister, how will I be with my own kids later?).  Her interests in astronomy inspired one of the gifts she received this year, a telescope.  I'm excited for her to show and share her new hobby/love with us more!

Looking sharp in her glasses :)

Thanksgiving

This year Justus and I made the trip out to visit everyone in New York for Thanksgiving.  We had a wonderful time with family and the craziness of New York during the Holidays.

Another take on "Muppets take Manhattan."  Kermit was the highlight of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!

Fun pictures during a stroll through Central Park after our Thanksgiving Feast!

First of Football

Football season has begun again for all you football fans!

Ryan's No. 99 again this year, he's the blur below tackling the kid in the middle

(I know, how could I be less vague, huh? - future argument for telephoto lens purchase)

He played a majority of both games Saturday, August 20, 2011, but here's a good shot of him on the sideline.

Justus and Sami had a great time "flying" as well

The spectators made the best of the 110+ heat in the shade.

We look forward to a good, fun season!

It's my Party and I'll Cry if I want to..

This cute adorable face turned one a few weeks ago!

The small tear on Scarlet's cheek is a faint reminder of what happened just a few minutes before this picture was taken. At first she did not want to be in the high-chair,

but then she dug in!

Birthday bundt cake - double-chocolate deliciousness

Scarlet's Birthday cake - yum!

Mesa Youth Museum

A few weeks ago Lisa, Jenna, and Scarlet came to visit the Arizona Hickmans. While they were here we visited the Mesa Youth Museum. Our favorite exhibit featured Peanuts. The following are picture highlights of our trip.

Jenna enjoys playing in the kitchen... she made me a great lunch!

Scarlet enjoyed playing with the large blocks

Ryan and Sarah dressed up as Sally

Jana finds a psychiatrist she can afford.

Ryan and Kate dressed up as Woodstock and Snoopy

Hickman Girls Go to the Temple

Sarah always loves to go to the temple. When a youth temple trip coincided with Lisa's trip to Arizona, we jumped at the chance to go together. We have a wonderful time! It was a very spiritual experience and it was another testament that families can be together forever!