And now we are FIVE!

Birthday, oh, glorious Birthday!

This year Finny had his birthday at Kiddie Acres. It is just the sweetest, cutest place you've ever seen. When I was a child we had a place in Beaumont called, Kamp's Junction, and I have such incredibly vivid memories of that place. I can still remember exactly how the hamburgers tasted; buttery. I distinctly remember getting on the train and riding through the "wild woods." It was so magical. Kiddie Acres is that kind of place. This has been my favorite birthday party so far. Childhood can be so fleeting; this party held sacred all the magic and pure joy that is being FIVE!

Monk, Bowie and the birthday boy after their train ride.


I made little party capes for all the children. You can see Bridie and Zoe's capes and that's Ursula and Freya across the table.

Sometimes I make Finn's birthday cakes and he likes that a lot, but he really loved going to the grocery store and picking out his cake this year. Another huge memory of my own birthdays was us going to Rao's Bakery and picking out my birthday cake. I can see the tile floor and the big glass cases with all those awesome cakes and cookies in them. I remember the smell, the cash register, the pecan sandies that my brother loved. Those memories are really so fresh in my mind; just like yesterday. They had this book that you could look through and pick out what you wanted. Oh, wait! I think they actually had sample cakes. I'll have to ask my mama. Anway, it was just a wonderful place and the most cherished of rituals. (It's still there, by the way. New owners, but still in the same spot.) I got a lump in my throat thinking about Rao's when Finn and I were picking out his cake. I know homemade is special, but so is a special trip to the store to leaf through the cake book, picking out your flavors and colors and then, oh, my, the picking up! That huge white box so full of promise. Inching the top up so you can get a "real" look. We makes so many cakes here at home that it was super fun to have a store-made one for his special day.

Joy, dear ones, it's all about whatever brings the most joy!

I made this banner for his very first birthday. It makes an appearance every year and is such a wonderful part of Finn's birthday rituals. Lots of people in the neighborhood waved and shouted out, "Happy Birthday Finn!" So cool!

And last, but not least, a gorgeous birthday photograph from my dear friend, Autumn. She is the most amazing photograhper and we are so lucky to get birthday pictures from her each year. I am framing each of her photos and making a birthday chronicle in Finn's room. I'll show you when I get them up.

And now we are five. Bittersweet and real.

Love,

Michele, Jack and Finnigan the 5-year-old