Pippi in Paradise: Ayyam-i-Ha Fun

Well it is that time of year again!
It is time to celebrate Ayyam-i-Ha!
This year we decided to do things a little differently since we are in a new place,
and to be honest cash is low.
We were able to get lights really cheap after christmas was over, and we made our own decorations.
We also decided to do homemade gifts for the kids. (actually I just let Tim know he was going to be responsible for building a bunch of stuff for the kids)

Oliver and Asher were the easiest to figure out. Tim made some wood animals for Oliver and they are big enough that Asher won't choke on them. I made Oliver a felt mat. I got the idea from this great tutorial.
http://morningsunrae.blogspot.com/2010/06/tutoiral-wet-felted-ocean-playmat.html

Tim decided to build a work table and bench for Zachary. It is perfect for him because he always has some project that he is working on.

Julia was the hardest for me to figure out what to do. Since I am not a great sewer or crafter for that matter I was stumped as what to do. She is at that age where one day she is still a little girl and the next she is a young lady. I decided that I would make a needle felted fairy. I was not sure how it would go over but went for it. I found a great you tube tutorial. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=14vFdHv1Y6E

Everybody enjoyed their gifts and the homemade sentiment spread throughout the family. Without asking them the kids decided to make gifts for each other and Tim and I.

Since it is a leap year we get an extra day this year and get to celebrate for an extra day. We are going to the beach with some homeschool friends and have some sweet treats.

As much as I would like to say everything was handmade this year we did cheat. All of the kids got boogie boards at long last.