Ezra turns One (almost)

I thought it would be sugar, originally uploaded by torhutchins.

Saturday, we enjoyed a birthday celebration for Ezra who turns one on August 29, but since we'll be flying to Hawaii on the 30th, Ashley and Bryce hosted family, friends and neighbors for a great BBQ a week early.

Both of Ezra's great-grandparents attended along with grandparents, aunt, uncle and cousins and a backyard full of kids. Ezra enjoyed a special cupcake frosted with tofu which you can see he enjoyed while the joys of sugar will await an older age. Bryce BBQd hamburger, hot dogs and brauts that were delicious alongside potato, pasta and green salads, fruit, chips, soft drinks and beer.

Ezra cleaned up in the gift department with art from Mimi and some of the kids, a new outfit, beach and bath toys, trucks, drum and flute, and, of course, books. A beautiful and great day.

Happy Birthday Ezra!

Follow this picture to others from the party on my flickr page.

Sunday in Newport

On Sunday, after church we drove to Balboa Island to pick up a painting Carolyn had done from last year which had been held by a fellow artist after a show. After finding a parking spot just large enough for the Mini, we walked around the island enjoying the views of the bay, the boats, and the homes with their gorgeous flowers.

DSC_0009, originally uploaded by torhutchins.

We then took the Mini across the Balboa Island ferry to the Balboa Peninsula. I always enjoy that ride with the breeze, views of the bay, the Pavillion and the tourists taking their first rides.

Island Welcome, originally uploaded by torhutchins.

CIMG3493, originally uploaded by torhutchins.

Besides enjoying a sunny day, our purpose was to scope out views that might be good artistic vantages for Carolyn when she paints in the "Paint the Peninsula" immediately after we return from Hawaii in early September. We found interesting spots near the Cannery and on Lido Isle looking over to the Peninsula that Carolyn noted and will probably use. Then we enjoyed quite a late lunch around 4 pm in the Lido Village area and watched as wedding parties returned from bay cruises and couples left on romatic gondola rides.

Balboa Park

CIMG3448, originally uploaded by torhutchins.

We drove down to San Diego on Saturday in heavy traffic caused by several accidents that added an hour and a half to the normal drive. I hadn't seen little Ezra in about a month and I had to remind him of Papa!

After he awoke from his nap and we had eaten our Subway sandwiches, we loaded up the car and Bryce drove us down to Balboa Park. Not disuaded by the usual full parking lots, Bryce found a spot that was just being vacated within a short distance of the fountain. We strolled down past the Arboretum, watched wedding parties come and go, took pictures of the flora and then had a mid-afternoon beverage under umbrellas by an open grassy area with large modern sculptures. Ever time Ezra got down on the ground, he made a bee-line for the adjoining water feature. Whether crawling on all fours or with his knees off the ground, he moves quickly which required a quick grab to move him back to our table.

Bryce got Ezra laughing as he tossed him in the air or swung backwards. Follow these pictures to my Flickr account.

Whoopee, originally uploaded by torhutchins.