Gosh, I had so much fun! I spent my vacation quilting! I had planned on doing this in advance and it was so relaxing. I enjoyed a 3 day retreat and also made the new Amy Butler 'sling tote' I made a Christmas table runner and finished binding a quilt. It doesn't get better than this for me!

Hi Gina,
Holy Cow!!! There is NO WAY I can even top that (not that I want to). I am glad that you are back! How is your daughter in Roch?? I am SO envious!
We went to Rochester, New York City, and various "hot spots" in Utah. That about wraps up my summer. It's great to hear from you again!
Mary
I am glad you now have a new car and washer.

HOLY COW GINA!!! lets just hope you have a much calmer fall! That's just too much for one family. Glad your peeps are all ok. xo

I see that Pam and I had the same reaction--Holy Cow! I can't even remember what I did this summer after reading that list! I guess we had some company, took them around, swam in the lake (Lake Michigan--we live in Chicago), went to outdoor concerts, went to the park, ran a zillion errands with me, the baby and the lovely ATV stroller. Nothing much but nice!

Well, you made it through "BABY"!! All the ups and downs, all the ins and outs can't keep you down for long. WAY TO GO!!
This summer all I did was wash, sew and mend vintage baby dresses!! Pretty exciting huh?
So, good to have you back!!
Chris

Oh, my word, what a summer you have had, I hope things are much calmer in the fall. Let's see, had a family reunion at my house, watched 3 dds play lots of softball, moved 2 dds to college, one for her last semester, dd got engaged, youngest 2 started 8th grade. Some sewing but mostly spent the summer outside swimming and gardening.
I am so happy you are back, I missed all your posts.

Wow, I got tired just reading about your summer. Glad to hear you're back! My summer included a 3 week visit from my daughter and baby granddaughter and a wonderful quilt retreat!

What a summer you had! Mine was quite uneventful in comparison. I worked on several quilts and made a great quilted tote that I love. One week at the beach and the rest of the time I was headquarters for the family as they went on mission trips and other adventures! We are glad you are back in Blog land! RB

I am a machine quilter and I have been quilting my guts out all summer. And eating popscicles with my kids.

Wow oh wow what a summer you had! I can't stop think about your daughter almost being scooped up in the bucket!

My summer was fun. The kids and I flew to Utah for six weeks. Yes hubby missed us! We stayed in American Fork and had lots of time with Grandma, ate lots of food, and visited lots of quilt shops! Great summer!

Wow, what a crazy summer you've had! I hope the fall is a little more calm. But, with Festival and Market coming up -- perhaps not! :) My husband and I went to Montreal. I also took a class. It's not over yet, though, because we are throwing an anniversary party for ourselves and we'll be entertaining family from California and spending some time on the Cape.

I've been getting used to the idea of an empty nest!! For the past 5 years I have been raising my niece and 2 nephews- they have been reunited with their family. I'll bring my son back to college on Saturday, then it's just hubby and I! Woo- HOO!

I've missed your posts!

Wow, I feel so boring when I look at your list. We took our four year old daughter camping for the first time and she loved it! I threw her a swim birthday party and had surgery to repair complications after delivering my daughter. So I'm doing a lot of sitting and reading blogs!

Wow - you had a lot going on. I did wonder at the QuiltersBuzz silence.
I've had a very ordinary summer - thanks to being busy at work, was only able to make a doll quilt for a swap. I've to make a quilt for my son before his first birthday but all I've done so far is plan and design and re-plan and re-design!

I'm glad you're back! We had gone to Florida to see the in-laws and the kids finally had their opportunity to go to Walt Disney World. This was the first "big" theme park visit for our youngest.

I'm not sure if I should congratulate you on surviving all the summer events or I should tell you to never to leave your house again! My gosh thats a lot of stuff to happen and a lot of it down right scary. Best wishes to your son and daughter on their new adventures though. They sound like good kids.

Me? This summer, I cannot compete with your summer (thank heaven) but we went to Star Valley Wyoming and stayed at my sister's ranch. It was wonderful and heavenly. Living that life forever would be the celestial afterlife I will probably never deserve. Sigh.

Summer really is officially over. My youngest kids started school yesterday.

My head is spinning after reading what YOU have been up to. WOW! Glad to hear that normal-ness is returning to your life. My summer has been pretty uneventful. The weather has been iffy so boating is almost nonexistant, fewer guests this year than in years past,son still doing school work (sometimes homeschooling is insane) and prepping now to send my daughter off to college. I did get a new sewing machine for my July birthday and have on quilt off to the quilters. I have made two purses and a Minky blanket. Today marks the beginning of some cooler weather so the sewing room will be bearable. I could USE that goody bag of fabric. :D Glad to see you are back!!

That's pure craziness!
This summer I played a lot of soccer, taught my old dog some new tricks, worked too much, and made a baby quilt.

I had no idea you were LDS! I added your blog as a subscription on my google reader! (I think! lol)

Although, I should know by now the good majority of quilters are LDS. LOL Do we have anything better to do? Oh yeah. 800 things at the same time... but.. whatever. lol

My summer hasn't been nearly eventful enough ... if it has, I can't remember it. I do know my life on a day to day basis is enough trauma and drama to fill a soap opera season! lol I'm so boring. Maybe I should go clean... nah, I'll take a nap instead. lol

Good luck to your daughter! Rochester NY will be a really cool mission! :)

Did I mention I would LOVE to be a winner? Cause um ... I would. lol A LOT. I'm new to the whole sewing scene... in fact, I've only owned my FIRST sewing machine for about 2 months now, and already I've made a twin size quilt (almost done), 2 bags, 5 I spy bags and other stuff. I've spent more on fabric than I have Vera Bradley (which isn't good.. lol) and yet I still feel like I don't have enough.

Um. That is all. lol

Glad to hear that life is getting back to "normal" for you and your family. Good luck to your daughter and I know your son will have a great time at UCSB. It's beautiful there. I went to Long Beach to visit my daughter and her family and to go to the International Quilt Festival;)

Glad to see you back! I brought my hand piecing along on the plane on the way to Barcelona for a couple of weeks (conference followed by vacation). I always get a kick out of working on a quilt while flying!

Not much quilting this summer, but lots of garment sewing for my two 20-something daughters! Check out my blog for pics:
http://www.sewmuchknitting.blogspot.com

I'm so glad you are back to posting!! I checked every day to see if you were back!
My summer has been full of comic book shows for work, and quilting my weekly quilt series!
Welcome back! We missed you!

Wow, that's a lot to go through in such a short time! I'm glad your family is ok. My favorite thing I did this summer was go on a cruise to Alaska with my hubby. We even managed to find a quilt shop while we were there. :-) Oh and I also went to the Long Beach quilt show with my mom which was also a treat.

Glad to hear everyone's okay! College and a mission? Your kids are obviously wonderful. I started two quilts, did a short trip to Northern California and Oregon, house-sat a cat and 15-year-old dog, and captained my company's Relay for Life team.

Wow...I thought I had a crazy summer, but yours tops mine. (My husband was in the hospital for a week, I have two kids coming and going from colleges --BYU-Idaho, Hawaii, and Provo--and trying to get a daughter ready for her senior year along with an eighth grader. I did manage to get a couple quilts done with all of this going on, as well as a Disneyland trip and a camping trip. Glad you're back--I love your blog.

Well, we moved from Chicago to Kentucky, I got to quit the job I hated, and now I'm stuck looking for a job with no end in sight. But at least I've had my sewing to get me through!

Wow, so glad you and your family are OK and that you managed to squeeze some good times into all that happened.

My husband, son, & I spent a week at my parents' in eastern PA. In addition to some unprecedented quality time with them (usually it's just a weekend visit), we took day trips to NYC and Philadelphia, saw a couple of ball games, hiked in the Poconos, and found 2 new-to-me quilt shops. All in all a very satisfactory vacation. Now I'm in PTA mode and haven't been able to sew in weeks.

I worked full-time and a lot of overtime this summer while everyone else was goofing off. I haven't had a vacation since last November and I don't think I'll be able to take one sooner than October. It's actually my favorite month. But really, I am burned out. I'm the breadwinner, though, so I need the money and I'm not complaining. Even though I had no time, I was able to cook over a hundred meals, do 30 loads of laundry and hang them up outside, iron 20 shirts and ten pairs of pants at least twenty times, and tend and water a garden to keep it alive. Oh, yeah, and I made a cute little 56" square quilt using Amy Butler Charm fabrics, which I am trying to quilt using my sewing machine. Looks good.

First time posting to any blog! I doubt if anyone's summer can compare to Gina's! And what quilter couldn't use more fabric? My husband & I live in a 30ft RV 8 months of the year. For 2 months we don't have to move campsites. The rest of the time we have to move sites every 2 weeks. Which we did just today. My quilting/sewing machine travels with me in our camper. Most of the time I leave it set-up. I have been making shopping bags with some of my stash. I have also been working on 2 quilts for our grandkids. Plus I have made Fleece curtains for several windows in our camper. The fleece is an excellent insulating cover for the hotter days and the cooler days. I am also in the process of making scented rice hot pads and miniatue pin-cushions for the tops of golf-tees. We also have made some more new camping friends. One of which is a quilter also. Nothing major has happened with us yet this summer. I feel very fortunate in that my hubby bought me a top-of-line quiling/embroidery machine for Christmas this past year. So I'm still getting acquainted with it. But I do love this machine. It's a powerhouse.
Thanks for letting me post my long comment.

Welcome back! I did miss your postings, but could not have imagined all you were going through in the short time of Summer.
My Summer consisted of the usual things, some quilting, working (only to support my quilting habit), helping at the county fair, putting on the Miss Rodeo Kansas Pageant, and oh, yes, I got to take in a large quilt show. All in all, a much calmer time than you.

Wow! That's quite a list! I've just been playing, visiting friends and doing random stuff!

That's quite the summer! Glad everyone is well.
I've been hanging out with my kids and fitting in quilting once they have gone to bed :) Today was our first day of school, now we have to work back into that routine.

Wow-wee! You were one busy lady this summer! Glad that all are well now! It's also nice to learn you are LDS - me too!
Our summer has been wonderful with no visits to the emergency room (at least not yet!!). We've camped by the ocean, won a week's stay at a really nice cottage here in Maine, learned to swim, learned to ride bikes without training wheels, spent lots of time playing games, enjoyed smores by the campfires, started a new job, got in touch with an old friend, finished our bathroom renovation and generally enjoyed each other! It's been a really nice family summer! I am blessed beyond belief!

What a Summer! My Summer was very sedate. Lots of sewing and reading. Summer is over here. We're already back in school.

Oh my..what a summer you have had!...mine has been relatively tame - went on the Quilter's Run and made it to all the stores, went to the Long Beach Quilt Festival, started three more WIPs which hopefully don't end up as UFOs...had one small party for 7 people...

Let's see. Four wheeling (with no broken collar bone this time!), swimming, boating, camping, demolition derby, rodeo, quilting, rug hooking, and getting MY missionary ready to leave!
Gayle in UT
dyeing2hook@msn.com

My summer was not nearly as busy or injury-prone as yours, thankfully. Glad to hear everyone is on the mend. Ours went like this - June: move dad's stuff to CA from TX after stroke, birthday parties, soccer party, cousin's wedding 4 hours away, doctors appointments, leave for Colorado vacation! July: week in Colorado, grandma here because day care's closed, business trip to NY, school starts, dentist appointments. August: surprise party in CA for dad's 65th, husband to Taipei for a week, quilting, other crafting. All in addition to full-time job and side-job selling fabric on ebay. Whew! I am glad the calendar is light on committments for the next few weeks.

Well Gina you sure have had one summer to remember. I've been to 10 states in the past month and might even add a couple of more with the college children here for a week or so. We've been to New Jersey, California, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Canada, Massachusetts, New York, and we might get Pennsylvania this week. Celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary on an alaskan Cruise, family reunions in Idaho and Washington and then just visits everywhere. It was great to be HOME for at least a day to check on the house in Brea and see everyone at Cranberry and Threaded Pear. I would love fabric, since my biggest pastime here in Jersey is sewing. So far since the move in May I've done, 5 quilts, one table runner and a sequined Christmas sock.
Miss ya all,
Jersey Joni as Derryl calls me!

Gee! I feel like such a slacker after reading all that was on your plate so far this summer. I've attended nine Detroit Tigers baseball games in between stitching and sewing.

My word....You certainly have had a BUSY summer!! Mine has been tame by comparison. Live at the NJ seashore and had lots of sand and sea going on. travelled to our Mt house in Pa for some relaxation and cannot beleive Labor day is around the corner....Glad you and yours are doing ok after all. Love your blog by the way and so glad I found you...

Wow! I'm exhausted just reading this post. I'm glad to hear that everyone and everything is ok. I stayed home and worked this summer. Thank you for offering such a great give-away. Take care and God bless, Cory

Gee! I feel like such a slacker after reading all that was on your plate so far this summer. I've attended nine Detroit Tigers baseball games in between stitching and sewing.

Isn't life a blessing? Just think how bored you would be without all that spins your head each day. I decided I would try to give quilting a real try. Made my daughter my first quilt....whew do I have alot to learn, but I found out it is way better than therapy! thank you for the wonderful give-away....

Gee! I feel like such a slacker after reading all that was on your plate so far this summer. I've attended nine Detroit Tigers baseball games in between stitching and sewing.

Hi Gina,
I had a busy summer, too, but not nearly as "exciting" as yours. We spent about 6 weeks in Prince Edward Island and visited New York City for five days. Now I'm back home and happy to be reunited with my sewing machine. Oh how I missed her! How generous of you to offer such a nice bundle of fabric!

Wow! What a summer. Mine has been very ordinary as I am the sole care-giver for my husband. The hilight was going to the Long Beach Quilt Show via the Metro (first time rider). Had a wonderful day out and a great time. Would love to win ..... wish me luck!

I sent a couple of days in the everglades. Very inspiring.

It's summer and we are farmers, so we farmed. Ok, _I_ didn't really farm, I don't drive tractors bigger than me. But I was support-staff for my Farmer.
And I'm gardening, mowing, organizing and delcuttering and "fluffing" our home.
I also spent a week watching the grand-twins.
Cooking, baking and a little tiny bit of sewing.
Not terribly exciting but restful.

My summer has included swimming, camping, horseback riding, gardening, sewing, soaping and giggling.

And, did someone say fabric scraps????

You've had quite a summer. Mine hasn't been anywhere near as hectic. We've been visiting colleges and I've been getting ready for my guild's exhibit in September. Thanks for the offer to win some fabric!

What have I done this summer, you ask? I'm a teacher, so summer's are my 'catching-up-on-projects-time.' However, this summer got a late start because we had snow days to make up. Before I knew it, my little summer school job began. No real break in between. Then I had a trip planned - taking a student group to Italy - so summer school had a 2-week vacation. Then about a week after our return, my mother-in-law became very ill, and she passed away about 10 days later. Meanwhile my son called to tell us that he'd joined the Navy and would be leaving in October. About a month later, another call from him to tell us that he's leaving in 2 weeks. So plan a send-off party for all the relatives to see him before he goes. Husband also planned a small reunion for his cross country teams over the past 20 years, and last night we hosted yet another reunion for the people who went on our Italy trip! Did I mention that I wanted to catch up on projects? Didn't happen.

Wow!!! You have had one whirlwind of a summer. With four kids ours has been crazy, too, but in the end it is all good. :) Glad to see you back. I am sending calm and peaceful fall wishes your way!

-Elizabeth M in MA

LOL. My heck! I thought I was the only one that had a wild, wacky and crazy summer! My list is pretty darn close to yours! And I'm not even kidding! Graduations. Graduation parties. Overnight guests. Parking lot fender bender. Several MINI vacations, and a few of them didn't turn out to be really vacations! LOL. Family reunion. Moving my parents. Moving our son. Registering for college. Daily Doubles for soccer. More rain than a summer should have. And NOT enough quilting! LOL. But I to am counting my blessings and thankful for them!

Wow, that's quite the summer! Since I don't have kids and rarely take my official vacation time from work in the summer, it rarely seems like "vacation" is a word that goes with "summer" for me. It certainly hasn't been as exciting as your summer! I finished a quilt, completed my first knitting project, bought a new sewing machine and took a couple of classes, started baking bread (I know I should do that in the winter, but when the mood strikes...!). One trip to Boston (mostly for work, but a little fun in there too). Gosh, that's sounding pretty dull!!

WOW, what a summer you have had. We've had a boring summer by comparison, but it's been lovely. And already fall is creeping on... I would love to win some of your goodies.

My summer has been very boring compared to others. I have spent it working. I have not taken a vacation yet. My oldest daughter did come home for a couple weeks in June and we went to a family reunion. That was fun. I have, of course, as always been doing some handwork.
Blessings

This summer I have: turned 25, found out I am pregnant with our second baby, had my car break down and it may cost $3000 to fix, barely got to sew, spent more time with my family. It has been a rollercoaster of a summer to say the least.

I sewed and quilted 20 baby quilts for Project Linus along with crocheting 5 baby blankets. I fished in my one and only fishing tournmanet with DH. Spent a glorious week at Lake Sam Rayburn in a cabin. Spent 2 hot weeks in Phoenix with the grandkids.

Sounds like a very busy summer! Our summer has not been so busy or eventful. Just camping and birthday parties at our house. Looking forward to your future posts, I missed them.

Love to see you back online and posting...I spent the summer entertaining other people and keeping their kids overnight. I can whip up chocolate chip pancakes in my sleep which has not been good for the figure! Congrats on surviving the summer and to a more calm autumn. See you very soon!

My husband got a promotion so we haven't done much this summer. Just staying INSIDE trying to keep cool ad out of the AZ sun. Some minor sewing here and there, but lots og online fabric and pattern oogling. :-)

My summer was boring compared to yours! Here's what I did:

- An amazing trip to France and a stolen camera too!

- I got the best news ever: I'm pregnant!

- Some camping at the lake

- My bf is working overtime + it was raining all the time so I've got lots of free (indoors) time and I decided to use it by learning how to quilt.

- Lots of knitting and sewing for the baby.

- So far, it was a great summer, and I refuse to say it's over before at least the end of september!

I'm in the Southern hemisphere, so it was winter for me. :D It also meant no vacation time and not as much being done as I had hoped. But I learned to knit and I think I had a good start on this new craft. Good luck for all others returning from summer!

So far most of my summer has been spent working with a dash of helping my parents move.

OMG you certainly have had a memorable summer! I am glad everyone is ok and mending, and you will get a new car! I wish you the best!!! Your blog is awesome...will put this in my favorites for sure!!
Erin in Nashua NH

Gina,
So glad you started posting again. I missed you and was starting to worry. I haven't had a vacation yet, but I will be going to the beach in September, which is still summer (til the 22nd).I hope life stays fun & uneventful for you and you family for a long time.

Wow! You definitely had a more exciting summer than me. I spent all summer with my kids, 2 and a half, and 8 months old. It was so much fun, and tiring...then during naptime, I made a quilt for my son from my Dad's plaid shirts. My Dad passed away almost eight years ago, but he is still in my heart and I want my children to know how special he was. I saved the shirts, made a quilt for my daughter, pillows for my sisters, my Mom and me, and now this quilt for my son. It is almost finished. you can see it if you would like on an older "Quilting" post on my blog. The shirt fabric is airplanes on this queen size quilt. Anyway, thanks for this site. I have a link on my blog to here and check in often, but hardly ever comment. Love it all!

Full summer here, too, including a high school graduation and son off to college. Great giveaway! I came to you by way of True Up. -- Michele

What summer? It went by so quickly. We did: camp, VBS, entertained houseguests on 3 different occasions, practiced piano, took swimming lessons, grew a veggie garden, ate, overslept and much more.

A great family trip to upstate PA and lots of visitors!

WOW! I was feeling down about life in general when after reading your list I remembered how lucky I really am. Glad everybody is on the mend. Love reading your articles and looking at the cool things you are always creating. I had wondered where you where, now I know.

I've been busy making a "long pink dress Mommy" for my almost-3 year old, and busy finishing up some quilts for a quilt show coming up here in Austin. Beyond that, just a quick trip to the shore.

Glad seeing you back!

Ok, so you've had just a little excitement in your life. Glad everyone is fine and so glad you're back!

Tracey in Jacksonville, FL
Patiently waiting for Tropical Storm Fay to arrive.

Although less exciting than your summer...my summer consisted of:

-planting/tending to the garden
-1 week camping with a 2yr old
-tons of beach trips
-and plenty of crafting!!!

I hope your fall is less eventful than your summer (well, at least less trip to the emergency room)!

Flew with all four of my kids ages 3 to 13(by myself) to visit the inlaws, for a week. Sewn, sewn, sewn...childcare for sometimes up to 5 extra kids, and more sewing....more weekend trips, and lots of bbq w/ friends and family. One wedding, one eighth grade graduation, two birthdays, and more sewing. Glad to hear all is well, after everything ya'll went through!

Oh my goodness! Now that's a summer to remember... We renovated/moved into our first house and all along I was thinking that was a lot to handle. Welcome back!

Wow! My summer has been pretty boring compared to yours. Sorry for all the bads thing that happened to you and yours. I have been busy working on an applique project which I will teach at a local shop. Tending the garden. Watching 3 broods of Eastern bluebirds being born. And Making improvements to our home.

I am dizzy just reading what happened to you--so glad everyone is well! This summer I have been learning how to dye fabric and making art quilts. Thank you.

My summer has consisted of sewing, vacation at the lake, more sewing, farmer's markets, fun little family outings, more sewing, more farmer's markets!

Mostly WORKING!! But I have squeezed in some time for swimming, watching movies, playing with friends and starting a Blog!! 8c)

Wow, what a summer indeed! Mine went like this: 2 trips to the ER with hubby, dance camp for daughter, care packages to son on mission in TN and a trip to Disneyland! But I did manage to get a few quilt projects finished. Yippe for me! Gald your back, I love your blog.

Spent my summer working on building a new house with my husband for our family of four. I've been inspired by a number of hings to pick up sewing again so I've been trying to fit that in. Our motto has been we can have fun next summer when we have a house.

Goodness, I was missing your posts and now I see why you were gone. Very thankful all safe and sound and headed in the right direction to new adventures. This has been my busy year, 2 weddings for one daughter, one in India one in So Cal, a new granddaughter, a high school graduation in Kansas City and now departure for college of same granddaughter, lots of little sewing projects and life is good. We miss our sewing nights at the Pear though.
Mary Ann

Hi Gina, I spent my vacation visiting grandchildren and discovering a few new quilting fabric stores in 2 other states! The grandbabes were the best by far!

Took a trip to Washington DC, Boston area for a trade show. Enjoyed time wtih new grand-babies. Started blogging, browsing, etc. And just trying to get my house in order. LOL It's impossible.

Let me think. I quilted, I read books, I entertained a friend or two. I spent time on the phone. I quilted.

I guess that's about it. Much calmer than yours, thankfully.

Can't believe the summer's nearly over! Along with the have-to-dos (work, errands, etc), I made a bunch of pincushions which I love. I'm looking forward to the fall season and cooler temperatures with more time for sewing!

Oh my goodness - that is one crazy summer!! We live in Hawaii and I've never heard of anyone almost getting caught in a helicopter water bucket before - that's so crazy!
I spent the summer at the beach and behind my sewing machine - all in all a fabulous way to spend a summer!

That all sounds like a typical summer at my house EXCEPT for your daughter almost getting scooped up by a helicopter! That is insane! I have never heard of that happening to anyone before. I am looking forward to new posts.

Glad you made it thru that hectic summer. Mine has been full of family and quite relaxing until this week. With Tropical Storm Fay we are having nothing but Rain, Rain, and more Rain. Now if I can just fine time to finish all those half finished quilts the rain wouldn't be half so bad. But at least we are all home together.

wow, what a summer! We are leaving for Kauai on Friday and I can hardly wait as we are having a lot of rain in Washington! Please enter me into your wonderful giveaway as I love your patterns. I'm looking forward to more exciting posts to your blog.
Laura

I actually completed two quilts, played with my kids, spent two weeks in Myrtle Beach to visit the inlaws and vacation at the beach.....and read up on blogs.

I hope your summer settles and you can find some quiet time in quilting!

Sounds like you had quite the summer. I spent some time with my girls, had a sleepover with my nieces, worked on a few small projects, got a new baby second cousin, spent a week at my parents, and overall had a great summer. Glad to hear you were all OK from the accident. Scary. Welcome back.

I think you win.. on the adventure part.
1st part.. bringing #1 son home from College after graduation.. waiting for a non exhistent journalism job to come around.
2nd part.. trip to Florida.. for hubby and cousins 50th bday celebration.
I feel for you on the camera tho..
but mine dropped into the Atlantic Ocean!
but glad to be home.... hurricane hit 3 days after we returned!!

My goodness, can't compete with all that!!! Had a very quiet and fast summer, not that we had much of a summer here in England - lots of rain though! Looking forward to the kids going back now though.

WOW!!!! and here I thought my life was busy. I had one graduate from high school and about to leave for college in 4 days, but since he is only 17, there are only a few things that he can do. I had to hurry up and finish my 2006 taxes so he could file for FAFSA. Then had to do 2007 taxes. that was in the middle of several quilt shows and country peddler shows. and a panic attack and a mammogram that they want me to come back for more testing because something was questionnable. we had several rattlesnakes get on our carport which I have a major phobia of. SIL's mother died, so that was a funeral. At least it was only one compared to 6 in 8 weeks times this spring. Next to youngest son lost a tooth and he was devastated .... even with the tooth fairy bringing him money. We did get to take a last minute trip to the New Mexico mountains and just got back 2 days ago. While camping in a tent that was not built for cold climates, we had 2 nights of major thunderstorms. I am SO ready for school to start. =)

In the whole grand scheme of things I did nothing, the husband and I got settled into our new construction home which is an adventure all into itself.

My summer sure seems tame compared to yours. No wonder you haven't been blogging much. How did you manage to fit that all in between Long Beach and now?

I've just been quilting and playing with grandkids. Though I think I'll take my summer to yours. VBG

I need this! Summer's over already-kids are back in school-and I'm feeling sad. But we did do this in 8 short weeks:
camping w/ GPs, snorkeling in Mexico, Girl Scout camp, one camping BD party, one Beauty School BD party complete with updos, an anniversary getaway, found a new hike and blackberry patch, kayaked across a lake, planted a letterbox, and adopted a puppy! And we grew tomatoes without the deer or gophers eating them first!

I spent a lot of time sewing and quilting and went to my first quilt show!

Well my summer wasn't quite as eventful as yours but we did get to Myrtle Beach twice to stay in our vacation home. We went to the beach and swam and just relaxed and had family fun. In addition to that, I was able to take 4 days and visit a quilting buddy in Tennessee. We shopped and stitched til we dropped...it was AWESOME. Anyhow, I hope your fall is better than your summer!

Hey Gina-- I've been wondering where you have been wandering ; )

Here's what's been going on with the Smiths:

1 major move to bring the household and studio space back together
We had 25 volunteers on one end and two sets of 30 volunteers on the receiving end -- nothing short of amazing!

2 cars that needed major repair while we were moving

1 3-day lecture workshop trip, two days later

1 trip to Utah for EFY and to lecture and teach while Jr. enjoyed his week at BYU

1 surprised mom when she returned home to find hubby had completely unpacked and set up home - equally amazing!

1 trip for 3 out to Nauvoo for the 1st Annual Quilt show, lectures and classes
(Uncountable experiences there)

1 Driver's license for Jr.

1 new job for Jr.

3 band tours for Jr.s' band, "Make Believe" (soon to "Camden", it appears that "Make Believe" was already taken)

1 Pioneer trek for Jr.

and hardly anything else getting done at home...!

I'm looking forward to seeing you again, soon! I missed going to Long Beach.

p.s. you don't have to enter me in the drawing -- I'm just glad you're back.

weddings. lots of weddings. make wedding quilt. make wedding cards.

OMG - I think my knees hurt when you said she had to swim from the fire copter. Can you sell the movie rights?
I work at my "regular job" year around, but managed to do a little quilting and, starting next month, will be VP of our Guild and P the next year. Exciting things to look forward to. Oh, and I did my first applique - yea.

Wow, Gina. All I can say is, "What a summer!" But graduation and college and a mission and family reunions are all great events. I hope all those involved in the automobile accident are well.

My summer has been mercifly quiet and restful. I have spend most of it just getting used to the idea that I am now retired and do not have to plan next years lessons! How strange not to be at all the discount houses buying the supplies for my classes that are not generally available through school funds. My thoughts are with all those now doing just that.

I have also been able to attend a plethora of quilting events. I went to Camp Watch A Patcher for the first time! What fun! I will definitely go again. I made a "Happy Hex" bag with Lyn Brown that turned out just super. I also did more fabric dying at the camp. Wow what cool things happen with dye!

I also attended the first ever west coast International Quilt Show, where I took classes in diamond log cabin blocks -- whew, it's neat when you get it all together and in Attic Windows. I actually was successful in makeing true mitered corners! I especially enjoyed the opportunity to see what many of the innovators in quilting and embelishing are doing these days.

I have finished a couple table runners and two small quilts. Now it's time to figue out how to extend my quilting frame for larger quilts.

All I can say is, whatever you do don't say "what else can happen". Last time I did that, I show cats CFA - I went to my third championship ring and got called up by the judge to tell me my cat only had one testicle (championship rings are for whole cats with all parts in place). Not a good situation. I did manage to get a few things done this summer and hope your life is now on the yahoo track.

This summer I have made several totes and purses. I have almost completed the entire series of Amy Bradleys Seasoned Quilter.I only have the Easter quilt left to complete. I have really enjoyed it. I have also taken time to ADD to my stash for several Christmas gift that I plan to complete. I have had to work alot of overtime at my job which has caused me to cut back on my sewing time. :[ I start my vacation next week and we plan to go for a couple days to Northern Michigan which includes a stop at the quilt store in Iron River And then back home to sew, sew, sew. I also have to paint the bathroom and make sure my two college kids are all set to start back. One at U of M and one at Ferris State. We have also spent alot of time with our 2 sons and daughters-in-law and 3 grandson. I have been helping to organize our 35th class reunion.and then the "Grand Finale will be my weekend getaway to the American Sewing Expo in Novi.

I am busy but never get far from home. I read a lot. Think of sewing or quilting but never seem to get time. I care for my grandchildren and my son who is handicapped. he goes to dialysis three times a week so we do not get away but we are busy. linda gerig

Wow, could you have packed much more in, although l'm sure you could have done without some of the disasters. This makes my breaks sound boring.

Oh my.....so sorry about the not so fun stuff, but thank God you are all ok. My summer is tame compared to that....swimming at the beach, quilting ( of course) and just enjoying time in my garden. Hope the weeks ahead are good ones for your family. Hugs, Annie from San Diego