The Big Five

It has finally happened. Lola turned five. And here are some of the highlights from her birthday party - the must-attend event of the very busy birthday season here in Valley Village. Once again, a gang of preschoolers gathered at the indoor play area known as "My Gym" and were entertained by a talented guy named Matt who had them bouncing around the room for two hours. There was a cake made of cupcakes. Lola made a grand entrance. And there were enough gifts to satisfy the Little Miss. For about a day, anyway. Here she is just seconds after she blew out the candles and realized she'd finally achieved the Big Five.

This being (North) Hollywood, there was a touch of showbiz to the affair...

The Princess Brunch

It's possible that every community in America has it's own version of Lollipop Dream. But I doubt it. Something about this boutique/princess Shangra-La feels quintessentially Los Angeles. Or maybe just quintessentially San Fernando Valley. At any rate, we made our second visit last month - this time with a clique of Lola's gal pals. Jasmine, who you may remember from Disney's Aladdin, was on hand for some stories and songs. Lola enjoyed playing Snow White.

If there's a porch swing...

...there's a good chance you're in the South. Lola and Papa enjoy a moment.

Lola on the Farm

That's Lola winking at you. She's standing in Papa's circular drive in front of one of Cane Creek Farm's pastures. If you listen closely, you can almost hear the cicadas.

One day, we made the drive downtown to visit Discovery Place, a childrens' science museum. Here, Papa and Lola have some fun with a rocket game.

Lola Meets the Puppy

While we were in Waxhaw, Lola's grandmother adopted a baby Chihuahua. Lola has been asking for a puppy ever since.

Camping out, Lola-style

Here we are, driving up the coast to Santa Barbara County, enjoying some Alvin and the Chipmunks along the way. You may want to adjust the volume on your computer to avoid breaking any glass in your vicinity. Press play and you'll hear what I'm talking about.

In the Wilds of Santa Barbara County

This year, Lola and Gina went camping with her preschool up at the El Capitan State Beach. We borrowed a roomy tent from another family and spent our days flying our kite, riding bikes and frolicking on the beach. It was a lot more fun that we expected (though if it hadn't been for a hungry skunk, we'd have slept a lot better.)

The Summer of Swimming

When she started her swim lessons in May, Lola wouldn't even get her face wet, which posed a pretty significant problem where hair-washing was concerned. Now look at her! After three lessons with Monica, she's diving all by herself. And, yes, she washes her hair, too.

On the birthday party circuit...

There was a period in May where Lola attended a birthday party every weekend. It's demanding being such a social butterfly. Here she poses with Samantha and Mateo at Samantha's art-themed party. Lola opted for the puppy face paint. It got lots of attention.

Like Dad, Like Daughter

Lola's classmate Reilly has a drum set. At his birthday party, Lola gave the kit a go. She's a natural.

Friends are Fun

Lola and Eli are great friends. He's a hyper-articulate, super sensitive little 5-year-old. And she is enthralled by him. Here they are at Eli's house playing dress up.

Easter in the Southland

Apparently, the Easter Bunny likes to hang out in style here in the Southland. We caught up with him at the luxury Langham hotel in Pasadena and milled about with what seemed like hundreds of other people. The great lawn was scattered with plastic eggs and tiny stuffed animals. We nearly missed the Easter egg "hunt." But managed to elbow a few well-heeled moms and dads aside to make room for our little princess. Good times! (See some more video below)

Festive Lola!

Here's Lola (and Michael with Gina lensing the shot) enjoying a little springtime family festival in Culver City on Sunday. It was a benefit for children with autism hosted by none other than Holly Robinson ("I was on 21 Jump Street back in the day) Peete. There was a giant bouncy house, lots of yummy food and music. The clouds were threatening rain, but we reveled without a care for two hours. (Early bedtimes are expected for all.)

Lola's Ode to the Cupcake

Lola especially enjoyed the mini-cupcakes with tiny pink sprinkles. Here she sings a little song about it.

Lola Bounces Her Cares Away

Bunny Still Life

There's usually a point during each day when Lola arranges a doll or a series of objects in a curious little still life. Here, a tiny bunny settles in for his nap. His snack lies to his side.

Lola Meets the Easter Bunny

Here Lola waits her turn to meet the man in the furry bunny suit. It was pretty competitive. As she reflect on it now, she says, "He was so furry and soft and cuddly. And he liked me. My coat was furry and soft too. And I like him very much because he's soft and cuddly and furry and I love his blue eyes and mouth and his ears and his feet and his pink body. And that's it." Lola asked her mom: "Why he's a man in a bunny suit?" She was certain that "the real Easter bunny is much cuddlier and furry-er."

Easter at the Langham

Life as theater

Lately Lola has really enjoyed dressing up. Pictured here are the Prima Ballerina, the Cheerleader, the "Fancy" Lola and the Rock Star.

Street Hockey Lola

At some point during the Olympics, Childrens Circle hosted a little broom hockey tournament. Here's Lola with Emma, one-third of the "tripple-ettes."

The gymnastic virtues of furniture

Live at the Silver Lake Drum Circle

Lola joined another production of her friend Tuesday's educational video. Though she wasn't feeling up to performing solo, she did have fun in this jam session.

Back in January, we ventured out to the Rose Bowl to catch a glimpse of the mammoth floats before the big day. But first, there were long lines. Here Lola poses gamely for a photo.

Backstage at the Rose Parade

The Christmas of the Baby Doll

In the last few months, Lola has received a startling number of baby dolls. Somehow she manages to preserve a special place in her heart for every one. At this point, we could provide baby dolls for just about every child in Southern California. I think there were 26 at last count.

Living at the end of the rainbow

One day, on the way home, we noticed a rainbow that appeared to end at our house. It was extraordinary! (There was, we're sorry to say, no pot o' gold.)