I have noted over the years how some parents will go to great lengths to provide expensive parties which mark the turning of important ages but here in my world it doesn't happen like that. Things just seem to click together in a way which is acceptable to both parents and children.
On this occasion an Italian circus came to town during Esteban's birthday weekend, so it was a no-brainer really.
They have never been to a circus before and there was a fair amount of excitement as we approached the big top tent, set beautifully against the backdrop of our local mountain.
I also went to see a circus at their age and certainly it is a spectacle which is hard to forget but I do have some reservations around all of it these days. Can't be much of a life for the poor animals. The tigers appeared overweight to me and evidently unhappy with their situation. Still, children don't see with the same eyes as adults and needless to say, they were thoroughly satisfied.
The ostriches were pretty amazing really. Like something from another realm.
Esteban said the camels were his favourite.
The following morning (which was his birthday) we did a little Easter egg hunt in the garden.
I noted that he was WAY more excited about the radish he picked from his personal growing space. He held it up to his third eye for this photo.
Here he is working out how many fingers to hold up on his seventh birthday...
That's the one!
Back home they both had presents waiting for them.
Luna's present involved putting little stickers onto another beloved mermaid.
Lunch was from a local(ish) Vietnamese take-away with the French family. Esteban really loves this kind of food, so why not?
We eat our spring rolls with lettuce & mint from the garden.
Like this!
Main course was a total feast! My father would have been proud.
After lunch Luna continued with her art project...
While Esteban built (a very complex) helicopter.
It was labelled as being for nine year olds. Which is not a problem for this seven year old!
He also started chipping away at this plaster block (and has continued to do so for the last week!)
Buried deep within it are six treasures to find.
A few days later we offered him the chance to have his own party with friends, so here he is on the morning of this day, collecting salad for the lunch.
A quick pose on the way home to remind us all how old he is now.
He wanted only a small collection of friends around him. One girl and three boys he invited.
Here he is after lunch opening more presents.
Again, my heart was warmed by how he was more excited about the mushroom book than any of the other presents. He really is a 'chip off the old block' as they say.
The girls were more excited about being on the swings, trying to touch feet.
Here is the moment they managed it! Because yes, I designed the swings with this in mind ;)
Meanwhile the boys were inside building stuff!
A little plane now.
Off into the sky it flies...
Next up we all trooped down to the natural spring to fill up our water bottles and introduce the children to this very cool hidden part of our village.
They wanted to explore further but there wasn't much time!
We still had an Easter egg hunt to do in our new garden.
Along with a pit stop at the new sandpit...
Followed by freshly made banana cake!
Finally we went to our more established garden where I noticed the strawberries looking fabulous. There must be 100 fruits on each of these plants!
You are all invited to the strawberry party we will be having in a few weeks!
And no day is complete without a moment on the trampoline of course.
As is always the way at such occasions, there were no tears or stressful moments. Just good old fashioned fun.
Back home everyone had a quick go at Esteban's geology present.
This is Ellie, his favourite girl at school. I observed how she had brown hair and brown eyes (like Sabrina) so perhaps it's true what they say about boys being instinctively drawn towards women who resemble their mothers?
Lastly we said hello to the cats, who are all growing up fast. Even in their sleep they are pushing against the edges of the box, trying to get out!
This one is my fave. He seems smaller than the rest and has slightly weepy eyes.
Here he is hugging his mama.
While the others have their breakfast.
Bum licking time is funny to watch. They like it.
They are still flopping around a lot, finding their strength and balance.
Each and every one of them is beyond cute.
I spend around 30mins a day just sitting here watching them.
A genuinely calming experience I highly recommend.
So that's it I think. Oh yes, one more thing! I wanted to mention how the children went home at the end of the party not with bags of sweets but with radishes & edible flowers they picked themselves in our garden. And you know what? They were 100% satisfied with this. So yes, you don't need to do it like everyone else does it! Just go with the flow & keep it as connected to nature as you can.
Love & Light everyone 馃尡
