What a holiday we have been having! Fiji really is a wonderful family holiday destination. I would have to say that I feel more relaxed than I have in living memory ... I am not sure if that says more about Fiji or my demeanor ... either way it has been delicious to spend so much time with the children without having to hurry them up or nag them or be rushing off to an appointment or to have to cook dinner!!!!
There has been so much fun and hilarity this past week that has really made our holiday! The girls had their hair braided ...
4 1/2 hours later ....
... fuss free holiday hair ... just watch the sun and that scalp!!!!
Then we learnt that the kids ... particularly Joshua ... is no Tiger Woods!!! Nor is he a budding tennis ace!
... but man it sure has been good for a laugh!!!
Not much hope for a sporting pro when it comes to our Joshua but he has learnt to swim this past week which is pretty good for a boy who was pretty reluctant to put his head under the water before we arrived!
Yay for you my little boy!!!
The twins celebrated their 7th birthday ... and we indulged them by having them choose the entire days activities ...
and the resort staff made such a fuss it really was such a special day for them both!
IOU a couple of birthday parties Ben & Jessie ... I can't wait to get home and get started on them with you both!
I am going to miss not having you all around me all of the time ... but I must say that it will be nice to be dropping you off at school on Monday morning, just the same!!!! ;)
And as for me ... well once our bags arrived I started cutting ...
and stitching ...
.... but this is all that I am going to show you just now ... I will say though that I was the only one by the pool sewing!!!
After all of the favorite things that have been shared here over the past couple of weeks blogless Linda from California reminded me of what has become my most favorite thing. Linda told me about her co-worker who gives her such wonderful feed back and encouragement with her crafting adventures. I have gained so much enthusiasm from you guys with each and every post over the past year and a half ... those of you who take the time and effort to leave such wonderful and encouraging comments over and over again ... I agree so much with you Linda ... it has been the kindness and generosity of you guys that has helped me to create and finish a whole lot more than I ever would have done without you!
On that note the winners from my last post are ....
Terry from Terrys Treasureswho left the 4th comment
Delores from True Blue Canadianwho left the 10th comment ... I would love to visit your amazing country Delores
Hillary from Hillary Ann ... designing happywho left the 40th comment
my lovey friend Sue from Knitter Sue who left the 41st comment .... I am going to have you sewing Sue!!!
and finally Gail from Quilt, Knit, Run, Sewfrom who left the 54th comment!
Congrats guys I will have them in the mail first up next week! There will be 6 patterns to give away this post so the odds are getting better! Plus the final giveaway is not far off especially seeing I have finally started making it! (details of the giveaway in this post)
See you again when we are back in jumpers in the land of Oz!
Kellie
So glad you all had a lovely time and were able to recharge your batteries! Loved the shadow pictures; looks a bit like the "Scherenschnitte" I used to make as a child. I can't wait to see more of what you've been working on.
Posted by: Vremo | July 22, 2009 at 08:55 PM
Looks like you are having a wonderful holiday, I am looking forward to meeting you at your upcoming workshop at the Patchwork House next month
Posted by: Kirsty | July 22, 2009 at 09:06 PM
OOOOh it sounds you had a great time. I stiil have to work 4 weeks and than I have my summer vacation. The summerholidays starts here on friday for 6 weeks. Last yera when were on holiday I was also the only one stitching ;o).
Posted by: Marie-Jozé | July 22, 2009 at 09:24 PM
What a gorgeous holiday and birthday treat for the kids. How many pins do you think you lost in the sand, lol.
Posted by: Janet | July 22, 2009 at 09:34 PM
so glad you have had a fantastic time I am sure you will all have many happy memories of your trip
I am looking forward to seeing what you have been working on
hugs Beth
Posted by: Beth Dasecke | July 22, 2009 at 09:34 PM
Our summer vacation has just started. Your trip to Fiji sounds fabulous. I'll add it my one day list.
Posted by: Sue Bone | July 22, 2009 at 09:35 PM
Oh what a marvellous, wonderful holiday! So pleased - you all deserve it so much! The photos really tell it all. I'm going to the craft fair on Saturday with Mum and Clare - see you there hopefully?
Posted by: Lara | July 22, 2009 at 09:43 PM
Happy Birthday to the Twins, it looks like they are having a great time, all of you in fact!
Posted by: jo 戎嶋 | July 22, 2009 at 09:44 PM
Sounds like the perfect holiday! And that final photo is absolutely brilliant!
Lucy x
Posted by: Lucy Locket-Pocket | July 22, 2009 at 09:49 PM
It looks like you have had a wonderful time! I do like your work so much! The colors always get me! So cheerful:)
Shawna
Posted by: Shawna | July 22, 2009 at 09:51 PM
Your vacation looks amazing! We leave this weekend for the beach and I can barely contain myself!
Posted by: Beth | July 22, 2009 at 10:00 PM
Now I REALLY want to go to Fiji! I wish it wasn't so far away. How lovely learning to swim! The girls' braids are wonderful! That last picture is awesome, I love it!
Posted by: Allie | July 22, 2009 at 10:25 PM
I think everyone wants a holiday in Fiji after your post. Looks fantastic. Great photos of the kids.
Posted by: Sylvia | July 22, 2009 at 10:40 PM
Wow, it all looks glorious. Four and a half hours? My, they must be relaxed too if they can sit for that long!
Posted by: Fancy Elastic | July 22, 2009 at 10:41 PM
I love the shadow photograph too.:)
What a perfect holiday! Sun, water and relaxation.
Posted by: Miriam | July 22, 2009 at 10:42 PM
I have so much enjoyed your site. Being in Canada I see such a difference in your colour choices and actually your pattern styles. You certainly have opened up my eyes to a whole new world (yikes, now I have to go and buy new material once again *sigh*
Kathee
Winnipeg Manitoba
Posted by: Kathee | July 22, 2009 at 10:46 PM
What a great vacation it seems you are having - I am not surprised you were the only one sewing by the pool - LOL!!! Can't wait to see what you are creating next!
Posted by: Heather | July 22, 2009 at 10:48 PM
I can't wait to go to Fiji - six days to go. I was sitting here in pain. I just had an operaton on my nose. (It still hurts) and looking at your photos - I can't wait now... how exciting!
I am so glad you had a great time with your beautiful family.
Happy birthday to Ben and Jessie. (How funny my husband name is Ben and my daughter name is Jessica!). I can't wait to see your new project and your quilt in Homespun next month.
Thanks
Sandy
Posted by: Sandy | July 22, 2009 at 10:51 PM
Sounds like you guys are having a wonderful time. I'm not a hand sewer so I know I wouldn't be sewing poolside. I also don't think my sewing machine would make it into our luggage!
Posted by: Norma | July 22, 2009 at 10:53 PM
The support and encouragement of of others is indeed a good and lovely thing. It is great to read back over your posts and see how far you've come. Good on you! But also it encourages me to keep on going with my creative pursuits too. Mind you I don't know how you kept dry stitching by the pool I'm sure my stuff would be wet from my kids. Enjoy your break!
Posted by: Julie-Anne | July 22, 2009 at 10:55 PM
oh, FIJI looks wonderful. What fun with family.... The girls look so cute and that boy....swimming? and playing tennis? and golfing? what memories you all will have...
Posted by: Nancy | July 22, 2009 at 11:17 PM
Wonderful holiday, I had a bit of a giggle when you said you were the only one stitching by the pool. Not too many others would think to take their sewing with them. I'm amazed it stayed dry. Happy birthday to your twins.
Posted by: Linda | July 22, 2009 at 11:38 PM
Congrats to the lucky winners!!!
Looks like you're having an amazing trip... the kids are so beautiful and look so happy! LOVE the pinks in your latest project, and how funny... I am usually the only one sewing (or doing embroidery) by the pool!!!
Posted by: kimmer | July 22, 2009 at 11:57 PM
What wonderful pictures of your happy family. Your new project looks like fun. Can't wait until we see what is new!
Posted by: Ruth B | July 23, 2009 at 12:17 AM
I've really enjoyed reading about your holiday. You've cheered me up!
Posted by: kazz | July 23, 2009 at 12:22 AM
Kellie, What a wonderful holiday you are having. I would be jealous if I din't know how much you deserve it - with the amazing amount of stuff you pack into every day and then still find time to share with us on your blog!
What a fantastic place to celebrate some special birthdays!
Posted by: Cath Roberts | July 23, 2009 at 12:25 AM
I'm a winner! Thank you so much! Enjoy the rest of your vacation! :0)
Posted by: Terry | July 23, 2009 at 12:34 AM
I love that last picture!
Posted by: trashalou | July 23, 2009 at 12:44 AM
What a beautiful family those children are....Love the cornrow braids. Looks like everyone had a great time. Thanks for the sneak peek at the beach....
Posted by: Shelley C | July 23, 2009 at 12:45 AM
Thank you for telling us about your vacation. Makes me want to take a trip to a far away place!
I really enjoy your work. I'm a fairly new sewer, and would love to attempt one of your patterns someday.
Posted by: Carrie L | July 23, 2009 at 12:47 AM
Hi from Spain.What wonderful holidays.Lovely family.Soon I will be on holidays, too.
Happy summer!!
Posted by: Maribel | July 23, 2009 at 01:03 AM
Looks like a wonderful family holiday. Can' wait to see your new project!
Posted by: Barb | July 23, 2009 at 01:07 AM
Birthdays on the beach are the best! Can't wait to see what you're working on now!
Posted by: sherri | July 23, 2009 at 01:14 AM
Very sweet! I went on a mission trip to St. Vincent when I was 17 and one of the locals there braided my hair like that! So fun, and it made it so easy to work hard in the sun the rest of the trip without dealing with flyaways!
Posted by: Taiya | July 23, 2009 at 01:32 AM
Oh my! I looks like you are having a blast!!
I have a special place in my heart for shadow pictures! I love them!!!!!
Posted by: Kritta22 | July 23, 2009 at 01:43 AM
Your vacation does look lovely. Looking forward to seeing your next creation. Just love the colors. And that shadow photos is very cool
Posted by: Juliann | July 23, 2009 at 01:57 AM
Looks like you had a great holiday - happy birthday to the twins.
Posted by: Tamara | July 23, 2009 at 02:13 AM
Love that last photo! Fantastic.
Posted by: greetingarts | July 23, 2009 at 02:23 AM
I have just been thinking that I need a handsewing project to do while we're on vacation so I can keep my sewing mojo!
Posted by: Kelly O. | July 23, 2009 at 03:27 AM
Wow - Fiji.... and still you stitched.... sounds like something I would do :) And do... on the beaches of North Carolina. I LOVE your work and it inspires me to do a little more applique. Enjoy Monday!!! And welcome back.
Posted by: Annette | July 23, 2009 at 03:45 AM
Looks like you had a wonderful vacation, such sparkling blue water! Happy Birthday to the twins and congrats to your winners!
Love all the recent projects you have posted!
Posted by: Sara | July 23, 2009 at 04:01 AM
Janet made me laugh out loud. I hope you didn't lose any pins in the sand! The vacation looks lovely, I need to get one of those planned...
Posted by: Michaela | July 23, 2009 at 05:27 AM
happy birthday you guys , a perfect way to spend it I think. So much patience sitting there for that long to get a cute new hairdo. Looking forward to seeing what you are up to Kellie, but then again that;s nothing new :-). That pic at the end is great - you should frame it ..
Lisa x
Posted by: periwinkle | July 23, 2009 at 06:01 AM
Lovely photos, your kids are just beautiful and look like loads of fun. can you tell me what resort you stayed in, looking for a good recommendation...
Posted by: Doris | July 23, 2009 at 06:14 AM
Hermoso tu trabajo!
Posted by: Nati | July 23, 2009 at 06:16 AM
Happy birthday to the twins! The braids are awesome but not sure if I could sit still for 4.5 hours! Your new quilt looks great and it must be so awesome for you to sit on the beach and sew. How relaxing is that? I think I am extremely jealous! Good luck adjusting when you come home :-)
Posted by: Lynn T | July 23, 2009 at 06:26 AM
Fuji looks awesome! And the twins birthday photo is so cute as are the braids! must take concentration to keep sewing with all of that going on.
Posted by: Mary on Lake Pulaski | July 23, 2009 at 06:59 AM
Thank you for letting us come alone on this wonderful trip of yours, its so great to see pictures of other people on their vacations and having so much fun. How beautiful it is.
Posted by: Maria | July 23, 2009 at 08:03 AM
There is something about warm sun, sand and long shadows that just makes everything alright! Pop that photo of you stitching on sand onto the wall of your studio.
Happy birthday to those beautiful babes...
Posted by: tracey petersen | July 23, 2009 at 08:49 AM
What a wonderful and memorable vacation. I'm sure your kids will remember it forever! I loved the picture of your shadows - very cute!!
Posted by: Nan S. | July 23, 2009 at 08:55 AM