This and That

It was just over a week ago when I made two realizations: first, the annual Navy ball was swiftly approaching; second, I had absolutely nothing suitable to wear for such an occasion! My collection of formals has shrunk significantly since I finished college (which is now seven years ago -- eep!), and of the few remaining items nothing is suitable for maternity. I did a quick online shopping browse, because I had no desire to spend hours sewing if there were an economical option available! But, not suprisingly, there was nothing I could find to suit my needs and tastes, and a trip to JoAnn Fabrics was in order. I ended up using McCall's 6557, which is actually not a maternity dress (though it is labeled as "suitable for maternity" on the website). It's all done but the hem, thanks to some extreme sewing sessions -- and consequently extreme housework neglect -- last week. The hem, however, will be a challenge. Two hems, actually, counting the lining!

Last week I also spotted a box of wooden trains for $10 on Craigslist. The location was a bit distant and someone else had already contacted the seller, but in the end it all worked out and we took a little family drive to pick them up. Followed by dinner at a favorite eatery (we even sat out-of-doors, it was so "unseasonably" pleasant!) and some frozen yogurt.  

The box was actually much larger than I'd anticipated, and included a bridge, train station, roundhouse, and a tunnel in addition to a wealth of various track pieces and some smashing trains. Once we got it home and put it together, I realized that our train collection is now complete! Before we had barely enough pieces to make a decent sort of track, whereas now I run out ideas (and room) before I run out of pieces. And we paid a fraction of what we would have paid had we only added a few tracks now and then, as planned.

Little Man loves to make the cars wait until the train has passed. Though why
there are two crossings right next to each is a bit beyond me...

I must admit, I think I'm enjoying them as much as the children are, and each morning our first order of business is to build a new track! Rather, I build a new track, with assistance and input -- not only is it a bit beyond Little Man's abilities to construct a complicated track, but laying out wooden tracks has also been one of my favorite things since I was a child. Happily, Little Man plays with his trains much more now that they're a bit more interesting, and it's such a delight to hear the littles with their trains chugging along (and sometimes saying "beep beep").

Ah, I'm looking forward to finishing up this gown so I can get back to the little projects I've been wanting to get to -- a new bib or two and some Fall clothes for Rosa, a stroller canopy re-do (more on that soon!), and some little projects for the wee one. But in the meantime, I might have another go around the track.