Yesterday we took a day trip to celebrate my birthday, and I was so blessed to have so many of my beloved family along -- Douglas, the children, my sister-in-law, my parents, and grandmother all made it special! We ate lunch at a classy restaurant and then went to a nearby park with lots of attractions. A lookout tower to climb...
And a lake for paddling in. How fun are these swan boats? Reminds me of Make Way for Ducklings.
I attempted a selfie with Rosie while we were on the water. She was very dubious about wearing a lifejacket at first, but once we got going, she seemed to warm up to the idea of messing about in boats.
And there was a family of real swans!
I made myself a new sundress to wear on my birthday. It's been a long time since I've made a vintage-inspired dress to wear! This one was cobbled together from a vintage 80s pattern of my mom's and a basic sundress pattern of mine, and I drafted the 50s-inspired bodice details myself. The navy gingham came from Hobby Lobby. I have been pleasantly surprised by their fabric offerings lately! I think they are making an effort to cater to home apparel sewists (not just quilters and crafters), which I appreciate.
Then home for a lovely birthday dinner at my mom's. I always look forward to pink roses in June.
I feel very blessed indeed to have so much love showered on me on my birthday.
I'm a 31-year-old Christian. My hope is to live a quiet life filled with home and hearth, family and friends, loveliness and simplicity. I'm wife to Douglas (married October 2008) and mother to Edmund (born November 2009), Lavinia (born May 2012), and Rosamund (born February 2014).
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what a lot of loving things and times! so glad for you!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Elizabeth! :)
DeleteMany happy returns, my dear. It sounds like the *perfect* celebration. Your dress is charming! The lipstick is a marvelous red. I really must say that the thirties are fabulous. Enjoy every minute!
ReplyDeleteWell, thank you, Rebecca! It's good to hear you speak well of the 30s. :) Much to look forward to!
DeleteMany Happy Returns of the Day! Your dress is so lovely -- the fabric really makes it! And you look perfectly lovely in it. :-) So glad to hear you had a lovely birthday, with so many loved ones to celebrate with; may the Lord bless you with a perfectly wonderful year!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Shannon
Thank you so much for the birthday wishes, Shannon! :)
DeleteHappy birthday, Laura! Glad to see you get the same lovely treatment you give others on their birthdays. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's sweet, thank you, Ashley. :)
DeleteHappy Birthday Laura! That's a lovely dress and I'm glad you all had such a lovely day. Also - what a talent your Mum has for setting a table :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Katy -- yes she does! I've photographed many of her beautiful table settings over the years!
Deletebest sundress I've seen for a while! I adore gingham and that trim on the bodice is the perfect little something to go with it.
ReplyDeleteyour birthday celebrations sound just wonderful!
Thanks, Margo! I'm surprised I haven't used gingham more in the past, considering how classic and vintage it is...
DeleteHappy birthday, dear Laura! It sounds like the celebrations were full of sweet memories! :-) I hope this coming year is filled with blessings for your whole family. :-)
ReplyDeletePS Love that dress! I just noticed that fabric today- so glad you could use it for a project. For myself, I'm jealous of the 100% cotton gingham.... I'm hoping for a yellow version to fall in my lap.... ;-)
Thank you, Lily! Yes, I was impressed to find 100% cotton -- and it's woven, not printed! I am fond of navy for myself, but I admire how you can look beautiful in all sorts of warm colors... yellow would be just the cutest!
DeleteHappy Birthday! Your dress is lovely xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Rachel!
DeleteHappy birthday my sweet friend! You look lovely and that dress is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Katie! :)
DeleteHappy belated Birthday Laura! It sure looks like you had a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteLove the dress , gingham is definitely one of my summer favorite print!
(just sewed a black/white gingham kitchen curtain)
What a lovely park you went to, ok if I ask you the name of it?
Happy 4th to you all!
Irene
Thank you, Irene! It's called Yanney Heritage Park near Kearney, NE. If you're ever traveling through the Midwest on I-80 in the summertime, it's quite close to the interstate and would make a nice stop!
DeleteLaura, Hi!
ReplyDeleteLong -time -no -see :) I have thought and prayed for you often, but just had to come for a visit. I am in love with your dear family and enjoyed your photos immensely! I love your dress, too...so talented! Hoping you are all well in the Lord and growing stronger in Jesus during these difficult days in our world. May the Lord richly bless and encourage you in all you do and set your hands to :)
Hi Jacqueline, so nice to hear from you and thank you for your prayers! I miss your family too but it's nice to keep in touch via Facebook and blogs. Blessings to you! :)
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