Confessions of a Closet Preppie: Part I

I wasn't born in Nantucket, Palm Beach or any part of Connecticut. In fact I didn't even know about Lilly Pulitzer until my freshman year of college when I started working at the Pea in the Pod in Cameron Village. However, the first time I saw her cheeky patterns and brightly colored dresses, I was in love!

While my first Lilly purchases were made at boutiques, I have since learned the value of patience and frugality! New dresses by Lilly are quite pricey thus when I decided I wanted a special Lilly piece from each of my babies this year for Mother's Day, I also knew I didn't want to spend hundreds. Thank goodness for Ebay! This pattern is from Evie, especially appropriate not only because of the monkey, but because the monkey is holding "Toms."

I can't help it, maybe it is tacky but even before Beatrice, I loved hot pink and orange together. Throw in a straw bag for summer time, bare feet, and some green grass and I am in heaven.

This is the pattern from Miss Beatrice, since we call her our "little Bee" I thought flowers were appropriate. Can you see the " Lilly" signature hidden in the print? It is one way to recognize the difference between genuine Lilly and the fakes.

These bright flowers are on the second Lilly I bought. I still love it, but the hemline is a little short for chasing Evie!

Yep, hot pink and bright kelly green. Two of my guilty pleasures.

My mom actually found this dress at a thrift store in Raleigh and it is still my very favorite! I was born in Louisiana so pelicans have a special place in my heart. I can't wait for next summer when I can actually wear these pretties, but for now, pictures will have to keep me happy.

So there you have it, a deep dark secret of my closet, except it isn't very dark or very secret!

"Let's go fly a kite"

On Friday, the wind seemed almost perfect, so we took Everett and his new kite down to the track for a test-flight. It should be noted that the Friday previous, we had flown a kite with much success. However, in his enthusiasm, Everett let go, and thus, the kite adjourned to warmer climates, it may even be in Mexico now.

This time Russ had the brilliant idea to tie a leash to the kite and to caribiner the leash to his waist. Thus, we still have kite number two for whenever the wind and weather cooperate again. Everett is enchanted by flight, where, oh where could that obsession stem from? Hmmmm. He insists on flying by himself and does an excellent job of keeping "Buzz" airborne.

Of course there is always some de-tangling to be done. How lovely is that green grass? Yum, makes me almost want to be a cow.

Thoughts on a windy April day

Sun-bleached quilt spread out on the porch,
Blonde head resting against my crossed legs.
Warm breeze swaying the wooden fence,
Proud tulips stand tall in the yard across the street.
Picnic lunch and discarded flip-flops.
Sweet little-boy kisses on my knees.
Thank You for this beautiful day and my blessed life.

Red and White all over

Certain color combinations just make me smile. I was flipping through pictures I have taken recently and saw a pattern develop. Lots and lots of bright red and sparkling white.

I am sure my mother is thinking, "Stand up straight!"

I love straw bags for summer time. I thrifted this one about a month ago and everytime I see it I smile.

These taste even better than they look.

He can look so pensive, I just wonder what goes on behind those dark brown eyes.

In our family, red is considered a neutral. Thus red shoes really can go with about anything.

This bench recently got a fresh coat of paint. We had some red and white left over from the dog house, it looks so fresh and ready for summer now.

Yeah, I know, but seriously they are so pretty and delicious!

Miss Beatrice's bassinet. It sits at the foot of our bed just waiting for August.

Who didn't have a Radio Flyer growing up?

I love tulips. Even though they don't have a scent, I think they are such beautiful flowers.

It's finally here!

The best gift upon our return to Kansas has been the arrival of Spring. Since we drove back from Kansas City on Friday we have had increasingly glorious weather. And all the flowers and trees are celebrating the long awaited warmth and sunshine. Yesterday I cleaned off and organized our mini-porch so Everett and I could really enjoy our outside time more.

What can I write that would adequately describe or praise these gems?

This dapper fellow held relatively still so I could snap a picture. Quite a specimen of masculine robin-hood!

Even the dandilions look charming in the sunshine.

I adore cherry blossoms. At my parents house, one of my favorite signs of the season was the exuberant blooms of the cherry blossom on the street corner. Delicious.

Wild violets are scattered across our lawn making it look as if someone dropped a basket of amethysts.

We finally felt brave enough to plant our tomato plants outside. But we did utilize pots that can be brought inside if necessary!

K-E-N-T-U-C-K-Y

About two months ago, my sweet husband suprised me with two plane tickets to Kentucky to visit my dear friend Nicole and her daughter Victoria. Nicole and I used to share a backyard and when we were neighbors shared many days together too! It was so lovely to have a little bit of time for catching up and having fun. Apologies because there is no particular order to these pictures--and I meant to take more, but we were having so much fun that I seldom remembered to get the camera out!

Our first night in town we went to Dairy Queen, which was lots of fun. Victoria is quite good at eating--something Everett could use a lesson in.

Everett with a bathtub halo--I can't remember if Victoria put it on his head or he did, but it stayed for at least a couple minutes!

Victoria with the lovely remains of a chocolate chip cookie. We joked that she should start a skincare line based solely on food products.

Nicole had the brilliant idea to take the kids to an indoor playspace with giant inflatables. It was a huge hit with Everett who would have stayed all day if allowed.

Super-skinny-minny-Mommy!

When they were little, Evie and Victoria took baths together almost every night. Of course for our vacation the habit was resumed!

Look at those two! Who thinks they maybe planning a little mischief?

I miss ya'll already!!!

Everett almost managed to keep the chocolate malt in the cup and straw, but not quite! And yes, I get the silly mommy award for actually changing his shirt (to white?????) right before we left for Dairy Queen. Chalk it up to sleep deprivation.

Victoria's ice-cream lip balm line will be out sometime in the fall.