Fourth Birthday Bash

When we learned that we could spend the week of the kids' birthday at my grandmother's beach condo in Capitola Village, we jumped at the opportunity to celebrate the big number four there. With an open beach (or "sandbox" as Taterbug called it), beloved friends and family, balloon animals, baseball, and cake (two of them, of course), the day of the party was delightful, and reminiscent of the many celebrations my family had there when we were growing up. You can't beat the beach for a party.


The hands-down highlight of the party was our family friend, high school student, and budding magician, Brettso the Great. When I heard Brett was doing his own shows, we thought he'd be a great addition to the party. But, who knew he'd be the hit of the party? The show wowed us, and kept the kids at the edge of their seats. He was really sweet to make the birthday kids feel special, calling them up individually to assist with a trick.

After the show, he started making balloon animals for the kids and amazed us with his creations, everything from swords to aliens to an octopus and a cornucopia basket. When Brett's a famous Las Vegas performer someday, Lucie and Ryan will have to say that they knew him back when he knocked the socks off the guests at their fourth birthday party.

The second highlight -- the individual cakes -- were discussed and discussed long before the day of the party. Lucie went with a lavender princess cake from local Gayle's Bakery, a vanilla genoise, whipped cream and marzipan delight that was a favorite at Aunt Rach's childhood parties. Ryan went with a mint chip ice cream cake (his favorite flavor) with Bob the Builder and orange frosting. Not only did they enjoy their own cakes, but they also took generous samplings of their twin's cakes, making for a perfect combination of mint chip and purple frosting. Yum.

As seen in this last picture, Lucie was still enjoying her cake (second or third helping? I forget) long into the party, and even had to stop for bites during a balloon sword fight/wrestle match with Uncle Jason. Now that's the sign of a good party.

p.s. Lucie and Ryan's birthday crowns were handmade by my dear friend, Amey. The kids loved them and barely took them off all week -- so special and sweet and thoughtful.