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Grey javelins were hurled from a slate sky all day today, so I went to a party.
This was for Louisa’s fourth birthday, at Gracedale Road in 1986. For the purposes of this post I will only identify
the birthday girl herself;
Becky who took charge of games like pinning the tail on the donkey drawn by me;
Wolf;
and Sam and his friend James. Despite James’s efforts Sam still got in a peek at the camera.
Matthew’s portrait hangs on the wall behind his younger brother. Above and to the right of that picture, obscured by the balloons in the donkey game photograph, is the print snaffled by Alice.
Glee, bewilderment, tiredness, scuffed knees, excitement, and participation in happy games were all exhibited during an entrancing afternoon.
On the end of the roll were a few pictures of Louisa, tolerating her cousin, Danni, exploring her face with prodding fingers, as babies are wont to do.
This evening we dined on mushroom and onion omelette, chips, onion rings, bacon, and tomatoes. I finished the cabernet sauvignon.
Looks like you have some great ,e,ories there, and looks like a far better [lace to be than out in the rain!
That should be “memories” and “place”. I’m going to start watching what I type!
I have to watch all the time
Yep. Thanks a lot, Quercus
Love these photos! Sweet
Many thanks, Lynn
The last photo shows Louisa’s gentle heart. Such joy in her eyes!
Thanks a lot Rose. She always wanted another baby 🙂
Really charming photographs!
Very many thanks, John
There’s nothing better than candid shots of a child’s birthday party. Lovely photos, Derrick. You know my favorite…the last one! I love the look in Louisa’s eyes.
Very many thanks, Jill. When I made all the children albums of their childhoods I used only my slides. I am going to send Louisa some of these
Yes, lovely.
I love thes photos!
Many thanks, Lisa
Oh, I hope those long-ago children see this post. I remember a birthday party like that myself. I can recall the cake in complete detail and the dress my aunt wore to my party. Important times.
Ginene
Many thanks, Ginene. I always gave the parents prints of the photos. I hope they still have them.
What wonderful memories. Great donkey, although he could do with a bit of fattening up. I love the little girls’ party dresses. The little poppet in the white frilly one is quite bewildered about it all, and has such an enquiring expression, but if the older one in lilac is her sister, then she has it all covered. Hopefully she explained later. I am sure all those attending would love to see these photos. And of course, that last of Louisa is a gem. Becky is such a treasure isn’t she? Is she still on nursing duties with you two?
Many thanks, Gwen. Becky is still with us, and standing. As always, the parents of the children were given 5×7 prints. I hope they still have them. The donkey clearly wasn’t a New Forest one
Maybe the London pigeons didn’t leave much to munch on for your party donkey. Good on Becky!
What beautiful memories! I love seeing children having fun! Your meal sounds divine! I need to make myself a mushroom and onion omelet, with all the sides except the bacon!
Thanks a lot, Lydia
Such sweet pictures! I especially love the last one.
Many thanks, Laurie
What wonderful pictures, visual memories that last a lifetime. Ann
Many thanks, Ann
Reblogged this on HarsH ReaLiTy and commented:
These are awesome photos Derrick! -OM
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Very many thanks, Jason
1986! How gorgeous!
Thanks very much, Daria
You have beautiful children (and grandchildren), Derrick. That’s a good donkey 🙂
Many thanks, Mary
Great fun–what a lovely memory to peruse.
Thanks very much, Cynthia
I just love the pure innocence on the faces of children. Thanks for sharing
Many thanks, Brian
You captured some beautiful shots of the children. How wonderful. Did you say the kids go home with a print? Is that of themselves during the party? If so, I think that is a great idea. I have friends who have a summer Tiki party every year, and set up a homemade photo booth. It’s a remarkably smooth-functioning booth, as the man is a technological whiz. A printer prints out a series of photos, and then guests have that party souvenir.
Thanks very much Crystal. There was no digi photography in those years. I got the photos printed up commercially and gave them out when I got them back.
Wasn’t there an earlier post with a drawing by you, and you were being silly and pinned the nose on the butt? I can’t remember the circumstances, exactly – but I know I laughed!
Yes, thanks, Jodie. It’s the nose on the reindeer one I traced out for Jessica to complete.
Yes! That’s it! I always love the silly ones. And it’s so cool that you have such a history of drawing for the party games.
Precious and beautiful memories! Thank you for sharing, Derrick. 🙂
Many thanks, Amy
You have a beautiful family.
Many thanks, Inese. I consider myself fortunate