A Birthday at the Coast

She wanted a tea party, but she also wanted to go to the Coast. This meant a picnic tea party, and the afternoon previous saw a mad whirl of prep work. Ana made a lemon-poppyseed cake, baked in tin cans to make three mini cakes of four layers each (12, you see). Asher helped carve radishes into toadstools. I flew around a bit like a chicken with my head cut off, as my grandmother would say. However, we got it done, and yesterday morning saw us on our way with Grandma. 

First stop was the Hatfield Marine Science Center (of course). The tides were not in our favour for actual tide pool exploration, so the touch tanks here are the next best thing.

After this, she really couldn't wait much longer for her tea. So we obliged. On the menu:

Ham and truffle cheese sandwiches with lettuce on white bread

Smoked salmon, cucumber and labneh sandwiches with dill on rye bread

Radish toadstools

Ginger beer

Mini eclairs

Lemon poppyseed cakes

Melon flowers and leaves

Earl grey tea (with a hint of lavender)

It takes a ridiculous amount of work to make all those fiddly wee tea things, but I believe she does truly appreciate it, so it is worth it.

With fuller bellies, and feeling a bit chilly, we went up to see the light house/ museum. Grandma had never been before.

And then we ran rampant on the dunes.

Asher proved himself the kitemaster! He flew his hundreds of feet up into the air so that it was barely visiblein the mist that blew in. When we (finally) reeled it in, it was soaking wet.

To finish the day, we went for a walk on the bayfront and went to Mo's for dinner.

I hope she had a good day. The rest of us certainly enjoyed it.

 

Comments

[Grampa/Dad]

Wondrous! What happens when sheep run on the beach with you?

[Grampa/Dad]

Cuz he's out of breath, the ram pants.

[Sarah :: greenclogs]

It looks perfect. Just perfect. Your post yesterday about Bella reminded me so much of my Annika. I think this would be her idea of the best possible birthday celebration, too. Happy day to both of you.

[Georgia]

What a lovely celebration. i had a nearly 12 year old peeking over my shoulder while I was looking at your photos and she was quite taken by Bella's tea party too. Now that we are back in the tropics, I may have to take her to high tea for her birthday, as I'm not sure a picnic wouldn't melt. I was very taken with Ana's tin can cakes! i've not seen that done before. Was it a struggle to get them out of the tin?

[Grace]

So beautiful, your photos just take my breath away.

[christina gomez]

lovely! I miss the coast. I know that all the party prep and food was very much enjoyed. You are so very creative, and I love to see all the things you do. Bella is sure growing up, and is a beautiful young lady. Congrats, and happy ,happy birthday to your wonderful girl!
christina

[SmitoniusAndSonata]

A belated Happy Birthday , Bella !
A magical picnic and a wonderful day .

[Megan]

My goodness, your radish toadstools and snail sandwiches are adorable. And the hedgehogs! I'm blown away!