A simple birthday

Bean Bags for the party gifts

Party baskets for gathering pinata booty
(the tags have each child's name printed on the backside)

Stuffing the PINATA!

Balloon discourse

Joaquin spies Mater on the gift bag!

The joy of opening presents!

Good friends...

I wanted a simple birthday party for Joaquin.  One that was about the fun of having dear friend's over to play and celebrate.  Since he was turning 4, we decided on having 4 guests.  After reading, over and over again, the library book "Hurray! A Pinata", Joaquin really wanted a pinata for his birthday party.  He had so much fun choosing the right pinata and then stuffing it full of candy with his Papa.  Mark insisted on LOTS of candy because we had to make a good showing, being candy store owners.  I think the parents of the guests may have been a bit dismayed at the volume--but Mark and Joaquin were well pleased.  I made bean bags sets for party gifts for each of his friends.  We played a party game where they were hidden in the grass (like Easter eggs) and each child could find 4 to keep and then help other kids find theirs.  We had balloons and a simple cake.   It was a sweet, simple, warm and lovely day.

He loves the water...

Let's go FISHING!

We live on a small farm in the California delta.  On the other side of the levee that frames our front yard is the Sacramento River.  We can hear the jet skis go by from our front steps.  The river is formed by steep levees so there aren't many spots to hang out on the water.  But we have been exploring the ones that are nearby.  Mark bought a kayak and we all enjoy it.  We launch it at the boat dock a mile down the road.  While hanging out there, we see lots of fishing boats come and go.  Turns out, most successful fishermen offer to show you their catch of the day.  They freely share their enthusiasm and fishing tips.  So Joaquin wanted to try fishing.  He has an eager patience for it that is amazing to see in such a young child.  When he's not fishing, he plays in the water.  Drives his trucks and cars in and out of the water.  Launches his toy boats and takes them "fishing".  "Cooks" with the sand.  It relaxes him and makes him happy.    It makes my heart sing.

My Candy Man

Joining Tami, Linda, Petals to Picot, and Wisdom Begins in Wonder today...I saw this crochet pattern on Ravelry and just had to make it for my husband to wear to work in our candy shop.  "Dress for success!" is my motto.  OK, maybe not; but it is funny.  I thought the hat would be just perfect for adding charm, wackiness, and entertainment for our customers.  Plus, make my husband's day at work more fun.  What do you think?

He just phoned to say that he got a LOT of weird looks and stares when he stopped for coffee on the way into work.  I guess wearing it out of context of the candy store would make him appear to be a bit loony.  And he is.  One of the things I love, love, love about him.

I smile at the last photo because one of our goats, Mocha, decided to join in the photo shoot and you can see the barn next to our home in the background.  For a "city boy" who lived in North Beach (where our candy store is located) for more than 10 years and is a graduate of SFAI, our moving to a farm was a big change.  I love that Mark is open to trying almost anything and he's really starting to love our life here in the country.  Granted, he gets regular "doses" of city life by working in the candy store, but living here is still a huge change.  One I am happy to say he is embracing.  What a sweetie (pun intended...)