We did mention a pinata.

I saw this great tacky red, blue and gold pinata at the store and knew we had to have it for Alex's party. It's actually from Mexico, which I thought was awesome. And I have to say this was a strong pinata, a number of us had to hit it pretty hard before it sprayed out all its great candy.

A Super Party

The Saturday after his birthday we had a party for Alex. We pulled out all the stops, had Cars cups, plates, and napkins, pizza, cake, and a PINATA. But, no party is complete with out friends and family, and we are lucky to have lots of both.

Alex's 3rd Birthday, yeah!!!

Well, it has happened, Alex turned 3!!!! I still call him my little baby, but really he is no baby. He can pretty much say and understand anything. He knows what he likes and what he doesn't and he doesn't mind telling you.

For his birthday he got a ukulele from Grandma Nancy and and a gardening set from Auntie Caryn. He loved both. Alex loves shoveling and helping in the garden, I really hope he develops a green thumb, as I have a brown one. We also hope he has the Lewis/Johnston love of music (again us Kimberlins are a bit deficient in this arena). I would really love to have him take piano lessons in a few years, if he wants to.

MerleFest 2011

So, this years MerleFest highlight for me was definitely Robert Plant!!!! He closed the show out and it was awesome. I was even able to get pretty close to the stage. He still has great stage presences, and did not seem like a tired rocker that should be at home. He played a few Led Zeppelin songs, of course, and 2 songs off his record with Allison Krause. He is touring with The Band of Joy, so they played a few of their songs.

This was also the first Merlefest that Alex really got to be a part of; the little pickers part was great. There was a whole punch of free activities, painting, play-do, to name just 2. I hope to make this a tradition for him, there is so much to get from this experience: being outdoors, hearing great music, interacting with people you normally wouldn't get a chance to, plus commiserating with family and friends, and who can forget the Turkey leg and home made ice cream?