Kiddo Style

I could not resist getting a shot of Clover and Maiya this morning, heading off to school in all their mismatched pattern glory!

These two have lived right next door to each other since Clover was born and along with Maiya's younger sister Claire, if there was such a thing as common law sisters...

they would definitely qualify!

In fact, growing up with her thick as thieves twin cousins right across the street as well, she pretty much barely qualifies as an only child.

A few more snaps from last weekend. On Sunday afternoon we walked downtown and stopped off at the Luther Burbank Home and Gardens for their Annual Holiday Open House.

While the gardens are open to stroll through year round, this is the only time the inside of Burbank's historically preserved home is open to the public.

They didn't allow picture taking inside. I found that out as I was attempting to capture the light coming in through this lovely window of colored glass vessels... Oops :)

Happy Weekend!

Scenes From a Birthday Campout

Over the weekend, beneath a harvest moon, our sweet Clover turned five! We celebrated with a birthday campout under the oaks… family, friends, and neighbors came bearing gifts, much to her delight, and good food to share. Sausages and hot dogs were on the grill. I also made a huge salad and a few batches of THESE… so good! Perfect for a campout, and it was great not having to frost that many cupcakes.

Spring Lake campground, just a hop skip and a jump from home (seriously, like a ten minute drive) has the most magical group campsite (accommodates up to 75 campers) nestled in a grove of oaks. It’s quiet (well, not including the screaming children we supplied) and picturesque, totally secluded from the rest of the campground (especially nice for not worrying about said screaming kids disturbing other campers), has lots of sweet spots for tents, winding paths, its own private parking lot and restrooms, an AWESOME firepit, and did you see that big wooden table that wraps around the trees?

I’ve had a big bag of thrifted vintage fabric scraps in a closet for years now and I finally put it to use by cutting and tearing the pieces into strips to make some of these as decorations. I thought it would be a fun craft for the kids too, so I brought along extra supplies and some rainbow scratch-off cards as well. When they weren’t busy running around like wild woodland creatures, those kiddos got all kinds of crafty :)

We also borrowed a gigantic tent to set up as the designated kids tent. It was HUGE and the kids loved it. Once it got dark we busted out the glow sticks, also a big hit, and the kid tent turned into a wild rave of sorts which went on well into the night as the grown-ups kicked back with beers and laughter around the campfire. It was a fun night and Clover had a blast with her friends and cousins.

The next morning, fog hung in the trees as puffy-eyed kids (and grown-ups) emerged from tents. The coffee flowed, fresh bagels were topped with cream cheese and slices of homegrown heirloom tomatoes and, with 9:30 am as her time of birth, our little sprite was officially declared five years old!

Welcome to five sweetie, we are so very proud and you are so very loved!

A Thing or Two

Clover's School of Outfit Shot Posing... I'm enrolling, who's with me?

Cardigan: originally her cousin Chiara's (now 19 years old!) also worn by cousins Vida, Fiona, and Lucia through the years before making its way to Clover :)

Fuzzy Hat (it will be a sad day when she finally outgrows this), Hello Kitty Tee, and shoes: hand-me-downs from Lucia

Silver star tights: new from Target

Vintage Jessica McClintock skirt: thrift gift from Laura Jane (the elastic waistband busted while she was at school and when I picked her up she walked out the door in only her slightly too small t-shirt, tights, and shoes. It was pretty cute/hilarious. Ah the perils of wearing vintage to Kindergarten!)

Thanks so much you gals for all the sweet comments on my post about Kindergarten. Your thoughtful and encouraging words and shared experiences have been such a comfort to read and so appreciated! Progress continues to be made :)