A fitting end

I realize that I've been missing in action this weekend. I had hoped to write a quick post on Friday morning, but things just didn't work out that way, and I've been on the run ever since.

Older Daughter's school had a half day on Friday, so we packed up and headed north to celebrate my mom's 70th birthday on Saturday. (Knitting moment: As I was packing, I asked Rick what sweater I should wear, and he said, "I think Kauni always looks nice and it goes with everything". Who knew that he even knew the names of my sweaters? Let alone which ones have maximal matching ability.) The drive north was fairly easy, and we were up in Sacramento by about 8:30; not too bad, all in all. The girls love going to visit Memere and Grandpa, and since my aunt was there, too, it was a full house. We went for a long walk on both Saturday and Sunday mornings, along the American River. Everything was green and growing, and since the weather was gorgeous, the trail was full of bikers and walkers and strollers and dogs. Tilly loved it.
So did the girls.

On Saturday night, we all got gussied up and headed out for a nice dinner to celebrate mom's birthday in style. I gave her the hat at the restaurant, even though I knew she wouldn't be trying it on until we got home. She admired it greatly.
(This is a woman who knows how to make a fuss over handknits; she's not a knitter, but she sews beautifully, so she understands what goes into something like this.)

And when we got home again after a lovely meal, it was time for the moment of truth.
It fits! Doesn't she look fabulous in it? Hooray! (And whew! What a relief.)

Sunday was another perfect day involving a nice long hike with the dog and the kids, and Monday morning we were up bright and early (actually, less bright and more early, thanks to the time change) to drive to the Bay Area for lunch with Grandmom, Rick's cousin, and her new baby Tyler. It was the first time we'd gotten to meet the baby, and I must admit that he got the lion's share of the attention. The girls held him.
I held him.
Rick held him. (He looks smaller when Rick holds him; this is generally true when Rick holds babies.)
Grandmom held him.
He's an incredibly sweet (and patient) baby. I so wish we lived closer so we could spend more time with him; they grow fast at this age.

And then we headed home, over a Bay that was the exact color of my sweater (Rick tried very hard to get a picture for me, with no luck), and through hills that were bright green.
I got some knitting done on the drive that I need to take some pictures of, but this morning, I'm facing a frighteningly full email inbox, and an equally frighteningly empty refrigerator. I wonder what one can make for dinner from a couple of eggs, an apple, and some cheese? Hmmm...