Summer.

After I get the kids to bed, I can take a shower (at the port showers) and dry my hair.  AND THEN take the dog for his nightly walk WHILE wearing sunglasses.  SUMMER.HAS.ARRIVED.

We have earned it!

Holding Pattern

The weather kept us at the dock for Father's Day weekend.  :(

I have been chomping at the bit to get the boat out and learn everything I can about our systems, basic sailing theory/concepts, as well as get comfortable with a routine while underway with the kids.

The NOAA weather forecast called for a 70% chance of rain on Saturday and Sunday and winds of 15-25 knots.  We have made it our prerogative to stay put when the forecast calls for any winds above 20 knots.  We want to keep our early boating experiences with the kids as positive as possible. 

I am satisfied with staying conservative... however, I have my fingers crossed that we will be able to get out and enjoy some calm and sunny weather soon!

Happy Fathers Day!

Photo of the Week - A Gift.

M's Nana made this gorgeous sailboat themed quilt for M (to celebrate his first birthday).  It is backed in VERY soft chenille/minky fabric.  I have found myself cuddled up under it a few times already.  M's Nana (my mother in law) is an amazingly talented and gifted quilter.  

Beautiful! 

M's Nautical First Birthday Brunch

I have been distracted lately by non-boating non-live aboard related activities.  In an effort to keep things somewhat relevant, I thought I would share photos from M's first birthday "brunch".  

The party was at my mom's house, down in Seattle, so that family could attend without too much travel-hassle.  I tried desperately to keep expenses under control with moderate success.  

"Welcome Aboard" lifesaver on the front door.  Used scrap-booking letters on our existing lifesaver. (Cost: Free to us)

 

Centerpiece on kitchen island - made with dowels from hardware store, felt, goldfish crackers, cotton twine, saran wrap, and already-owned vases.  (Cost: $5 for dowels and felt)

Wrapped silverware using cotton twine and lifesavers.

Sailboat Watermelon

Gluten Free Vegan Zucchini Muffins - used mix from Wholefoods

I purchased (with gift card) an adorable nautical themed cupcake decoration set at an island gift store (Cost: $14.50).

Borrowed Nautical Parade Flags.

Doughnuts, Muffins, Veggies, and Fruit.

The Birthday Boy with his "lifesaver" birthday cake and melt-my-heart outfit.

I made Mr. M's cake out of a store-bought angel food cake and leftover red felt.  I purchased M's sailor outfit on eBay.  (Cost: $12.99)

Tried to keep it easy, simple, and cute!

All of the decoration and food was inspired by ideas I found on Pinterest (very addicting!).

Sails ON

BIG.NEWS.  Sails are UP! 

We celebrated by circumnavigating San Juan Island (over the weekend of 5/26/12).  T and I raised the sails once we got the kids down for their nap.  We were on the west side of San Juan Island with views of Victoria, BC (Vancouver Island), the Olympic Mountains, and Lime Kiln Park.

There was not much wind, but we were able to sail for about two hours (until the kids got up). 

IT.WAS.MAGICAL.