Liz is back! And a visit to the museum

We welcomed back our snowbird Liz today (she's the one in the center). It was good to see her again after our long, cold winter. She jumped right in there with her Mistake Stitch Scarf.

 Kathleen is already on our next project, making adult mittens to go with a scarf she made earlier.

 Here is a close up of Liz's scarf. The navy blue will go with anything and can be gender neutral.

 Barbara is stash busting a scarf with lovely pink yarns. Two rows of each color will make a nice pattern.

 Kathleen wasn't exactly infatuated with the scarf she made but I think the self patterning yarn made an interesting design.

 Cinzia needed to sew up some seams....

 and add the ties and her little sweater is done! We were spellbound by the way the same yarn turned out looking so different on the sleeves. It made for a nice combination.

 Beth added the finishing rows to the sleeves on her baby sweater...

 as did Carole. Her Peanut Warmer is now finished except for the buttons.

 Maureen's second week back had her adding some inches to her cowl.

 I finished a pair of baby socks and ...

 now I'm making a hat to match. The edge is curling while it's on the needle but once I knit a 1X1 ribbing it will lay nice and flat.

 These cute little booties are the Crocodile Stitch Baby Booties. They used about 150 yards of fingering weight yarn to complete both booties. Luckily, I had 6 pearl buttons in my stash so I didn't have to drive far and wide to find some.

 Dorah knitted the I-cord ties and attached them to her jacket so now it's ready for inventory.

 This past weekend DH and I went to visit the grands in Pennsylvania and on the way we stopped in Lahaska, PA at a yarn store I hadn't been to yet. Can you imagine? There was actually a yarn store I haven't shopped yet! Anyway, during the course of my visit it came up that I have this knitting group and the owner of Twist Knitting and Spinning was kind enough to offer us some yarn. Thank you Debbie Brady for your generosity! These yarns will be put to good use! If you find yourself on Route 202 in Lahaska look for this lovely little shop. The ladies there are so kind and the yarns are yummy!

Once in Philadelphia we met up with my daughter, her husband, and the boys. Someone finally took a photo of me! Amazing! I used to joke with the kids when they were little that since I always took the pictures in the family, they wouldn't remember what I looked like when I was long gone. LOL! Isn't she pretty?!!!

At the Museum of Natural Science the boys had fun climbing everywhere. Leo used to be afraid of the tortoise but now looks forward to posing with him whenever he visits the museum.

There was an orchid show during our visit. It wasn't as extensive as the one Karin and I attended at the NY Botanical Gardens, but then this was in a museum.

They were still very delicate and lovely.

There were little islands of flowers here and there.

Then while my son-in-law was watching the boys in one of the other exhibits my daughter and husband invited me to join them in the butterfly conservatory. Now let me explain the expression on my face. When I was only 5 years old I had a nightmare about moths and butterflies and ever since I've had an irrational fear of them. I know it sounds crazy but that's why it's irrational! Well, I decided it was time to put on my big girl panties and conquer my fears.

I wanted to close my eyes but then I wouldn't be able to tell if one landed on me and they were flitting and flying everywhere! EEEKKK!

I actually made it through without fainting. Hey! Nobody said I had to like it!

Isn't it odd that I'm terrified of butterflies and moths but I'm not afraid to pet a snake?! Check out the expression on that guy's face. Ha! He must think I'm nuts!

                     It was a glorious day in Philly and Moose was enjoying the spring weather.

He tried his darndest to "accidentally" fall in the fountain. But I kept a close eye on him. I'm no amateur at this little game!

Such a beautiful fountain!

The visit was all too short but I just don't have the energy to keep up with those two little boys anymore, at least when they together. One at a time might be a little easier. But the minute I leave I miss them terribly. They'll be visiting me in a few weeks up here. I can't wait!

Kidcentric Day at the Landsdowne Farmer's Market

Moose took his parents and me to the Landsdowne Farmer's Market today for a special visit. There were all kinds of attractions there today that were special just for kids.

The Delco Bird Club brought their feathered friends for us to hold and pet. This Green Wing Macaw was a therapy bird so he was very friendly to us. His size was a little intimidating so Moose decided he would be more than happy to let me hold him.

Pammie the Cockatoo waved hello...

and flirted with us so we would come over and say hi.

Moose was making sure that Daddy Phil kept Pammie at arm's length, just to be safe.

Mommy Amanda had a little conversation with her too.

Moose found the hoola hoops quite entertaining.

But the best fun on such a hot morning was the "Wet Tent". Even Mommy got in on the cold water fun!

It isn't called the "Wet Tent" for nothing.

Winged Wonders was a net tent filled with Monarch butterflies. Moose had a ball. It was one of those rare moments when he is so fascinated by his surroundings that we could have stayed all day.

Notice the guide's "living earring".

Moose made sure he got a close look. His comment was "These are sooooo cool!"

The Q-tips and cotton balls were dipped in Gatorade so the kids could feed the butterflies.

Moose really enjoyed inspecting them too.

They really were pretty even if I'm terrified of them, thanks to a nightmare when I was five years old! LOL!

Ridley Creek was the name of the guest musicians this week and they graciously allowed Moose a short solo.

Moose enjoyed saying thank you with his tip.

It was a great day which was topped off by a visit with McGruff the Crime Dog.

It was over all too soon but we brought home lots of good fresh food. Oh yes! We'll be sure to enjoy John's homemade mushroom soup tonight!