There's a serious surfing vibe around here this summer. (Does being a mom of surfers mean I get to hang at the beach everyday? I'm in.) While the boys are still a few parental-induced swimming requirements away from really and truly surfing on their own (yeah, that doggie paddle isn't going to get you far when you're upside down in your boat, guys. sorry.), they're doing their best to prepare for the role of 'surfer' (which they define as both the traditional surfboard, as well as whitewater kayak in the surf - Papa's gig). They've had enough of Papa and his paddler friends around in their lives to think they fully get the role of the 'boater/surfer', uh...character.
As always, the costume is key. Last week, after some mild grumpiness about me not buying him a new wetsuit, he marched to his room to sew his own. How much do I love that he did this in defiance ("Fine! I'll make my own!")? A lot. He was disappointed to discover no capilene or lycra in my stash, but like any good tailor, he made do with what he had - cotton knit. I showed him how to trace his pants (he used his long johns to get the fit he wanted), gave him a little help on the elastic casing, and then he was off. Wetsuit pants complete. They fit, they cling when wet, they're black. All requirements are met and he's happy.
(Um, love that photo). The next day Calvin wanted a wetsuit top. He caught me in a moment when I had absolutely zip, zero, nada energy to 'help' him sew. "No problem, Mama, I can do it all on my own", he says. The result was this top (which is adorable, though I'm afraid it won't survive it's first washing) for his Little Dude (yes, that's what he calls him and Ezra sarcastically calls him 'Captain'). Truth be told, Calvin tried to make it for himself, but it didn't fit, so he 'gifted' it to Ezra, who was thrilled to be the recipient of Calvin's sewing. Heck - I'll take sibling kindness however it comes.
Next on their surf sewing plan is a gear bag for their wetsuits and other surf 'accessories' - my babes looooove their accessories. Sometimes I'm afraid I'm raising a bunch of gear-heads - but thankfully it doesn't look like they're headed for the 'expensive, brand new gear I only use once a year" kind of gearhead, but more towards the "duct -taped, ripped shorts, everyday use, DIY" kind of gearhead. I'm cool with that.
