Can they paint it? Yes they can, and they surely did. I’m still in awe of the creative insights and abilities of young children. After each guest was equipped with hardhat and apron, the “work” began. No need for instructions, tutorials or “let me show you how”–they just instinctively picked up a brush or roller and got to it. Boys and girls alike dug in and transformed the plain cardboard structures into a rainbow of rowhouses in the backyard. Big fun, beautiful “handyman” cake from Flour Patch Bakery and brilliant birthday wishes all around.

A big shout-out to Barista Kids for sending you this colorful party Postcard from Kidsville!

The girls in the class (hey boys, you don’t know what you missed!) were hands-down the most creative and focused cookie decorators I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. I envied them their pirate booty of cookies that would last me, well heck, at least an hour. I kick myself for not taking bakery owner Thérèse’s offer to pack a cookie for the road. What on earth was I thinking?!? Well, that just gives me the perfect excuse to go back again…and again…and again. Yum!

Sweet thanks to Barista Kids for letting you lick the frosting from this Postcard from Kidsville!

Big thanks to Barista Kids for sharing this summer fun Postcard from Kidsville!

My kids love some entertainment in the kitchen at mealtime (thank goodness for tile floors), so I whip out the bottle of bubbles for some instant fun. Bubbles and any kind of cheese is enough to rate it a 5-star meal. Well, that one bubble floated from room to room and back again with the help of a floor fan. I kept it aloft with a few waves of a magazine every now and then. I wonder what special powers that bubble had? Or just how old that bottle of bubbles was? In any case, it’s a bubble we won’t soon forget.

When did your kids see their first bubbles? Do tell — we’d all love to know!

And as always, a hearty thanks to Barista Kids for blowing this rainbow-liscious Postcard from Kidsville right at you!

Well, it was me, my camera, my red umbrella and only two other brave souls (without an umbrella) wading through the puddles to get a glimpse of the fading glories. The steady rains had taken their toll on many a petal, and the empty event tent seemed indifferent to it all. Here’s a little photo tribute to the blooms that have passed–can’t wait for the next round of buds to unfold.

I’ve gotta thank Barista Kids for sending you a dozen roses in this Postcard from Kidsville!

As always, I look forward to your comments on their site and right here on my blog. I’m excited to get back out there to see what I can see — looking forward to spying you through my lens!

A very big thank you to Barista Kids for helping me share the photo love!

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Well, you heard it here first–apparently cats reign supreme in the world of children’s facial art (aka face painting), beating out Spiderman, butterflies and princesses by a country mile. At least those were my unofficial findings this past Saturday at Aunt Jean’s Toys and Treats during Montclair Center’s Sidewalk Sale. Tiana of Mr. Giggles had the kids grinning despite the huge raindrops that pelted their freshly-painted faces. I’m pretty sure she ran out of pink paint.