A Wonderful Weekend . . .

Labor day weekend has come and gone just as quickly as every other weekend this summer. This weekend was a little more special than most, however, because we got to spend it with my husband's family. My in-laws have been here since the spring to help out my sister in law with relocating to a new home and also with my nephew (their grandson), Andre. She is expecting a new baby any day now and it has been a God send that they've been here for her during a very big transitional time in her life. Michele (my sister in law) is one of the sweetest people I have ever met. She works as a nurse on the spinal cord injury and amputee floor of a rehabilitation hospital in our area. That should tell you how special she must be. She has asked me to be in the delivery room with her when she gives birth. It is one of my dreams to be present for a delivery (other then my own) and I have goosebumps even as I type this. : )



Uncle Jimmy (aka my husband) and Andre. Can you tell Andre missed his nap? : )

We haven't spent as much time with my in-laws as we wanted to this summer so when the chance to spend a day with them was presented to us we jumped at it. The fact that it was going to be a day spent at a huge craft fair in upstate New York certainly made it all the more enticing to me!!



Grandpa and Son # 2 in the childrens' crafting tent. They really look like they're up to no good!!



Jim and his mom. I love this picture!!

It was an incredibly gorgeous end-of-summer day and there were hints of fall everywhere!!

This gorgeous white-washed fence was actually part of a display from a company called "Tennessee Twigs." They made the most incredibly gorgeous arbors, benches, planters, swings and other goodies that were to-die-for!!




These are all made of upcycled logs and sticks and twigs and are beyond words. We also found out that the crafters that make these live only a couple of miles from my husband's dad and step-mom. What a small, small world we live in. : )





When I saw these hand-painted slates, I knew I had to have one!! I actually purchased two because I couldn't make up my mind so, when in doubt . . . : )




I bought one with a hand-painted daisy and another with hydrangea. And, of course, I had to purchase the holder, too!! The couple that makes these were so wonderful and I honestly could've chatted with the woman all day!! Her husband is a blacksmith and he creates the most incredible garden lanterns among other things. I asked if they had a website but they currently don't otherwise I'd share that info with you.

One of the highlights of the day was when son # 2 and son # 3 (son # 1 had a football scrimmage so he couldn't spend the day with us) had their caricatures drawn by an incredible artist named Chris LaPorte. When I tell you that I could watch him draw ALL DAY I'm not kidding!!




I told son #2 that it is now down on paper forever how badly he needed a haircut on September 5, 2009!!





Love the smirk!!





Now here's son #3. I loved how this came out!! It makes me laugh every time I look at it!!




I don't think Brendan knew quite what to make of this so I explained it to him on his 7 year old level and told him that that is what he'd look like if they made a cartoon about him on Cartoon Network and that is when he smiled!!!

We had both drawings framed at the booth and are going to hang them in the boys' room. If you want to see some of Chris LaPorte's other work you can find him on his website here . His talent is endless!! Go check him out!!

A few more random photos of the day . . .








A doggie named "Boogie Oogie" who I fell in love with!! He has the best Mommy and Daddy and is very spoiled!! I ended up talking with them for a bit and they are definitely kindred spirits!! : )






This vintage Schwinn wasn't for sale but I'm sure there would've been a very long line of potential buyers and I would certainly be at the head of the line. Even the basket is vintage!!





The cousins would like to bid you a fond farewell until tomorrow when I introduce you to some of the wonderful fellow Etsy shop owners that I met at the fair.



Until then . . .



Many blessings ~ Wendy