A BUSY DAY IN THE LIFE....

Today was not your typical day for us but it was VERY busy none the less. We started off this morning for a photo shoot for our good friend Franco that owns Valobra. When Franco is not promoting his jewels in Houston or Royal Street in New Orleans -- he is dazzling his friends with his wit, charm and hilarious stories. He has a passion for life that most cannot dream. John told him this weekend that he was going to name his next oil well after him -- if the prospect was half as enthusiastic as Franco it would make millions for sure!


My (aesthetic team) "posse" gathered to start making it all come together....Lisa Jane, Tessa and Corinne. Sinclair was in a "quirky" mood. Due to insurance restraints from the pricey baubles we could only shoot the ad in the store. Beatrice, Franco's "right hand" draped Sinclair in rubies and diamonds....but all Sinclair could focus on was this wooden Riva boat replica. She was OBSESSED with this boat. Keep in mind, some craftsman in San Francisco worked over a year making this work of art. She decided it was just her size and was not parting with it. Franco insisted he give it to her -- as soon as he reassembled the dash she pulled out. I peeled her off this beauty and assured him there was not any way we could ever accept this. I am betting in the next 48 hours it shows up at our house. That is totally the way Franco does things.



We came home and collapsed for a nice long nap. Recharging our batteries long enough to make it down the street for Sinclair's little friend, Fayez' 2nd birthday.

Sinclair and Fayez were practically each others first friends. They are a little over two months apart. I have photos of them when she was a mere six pounds. They have lots of fun together. Fayez's birthday was a construction theme held at his grandparents house - Miss Elyse and "Mayor Bob"....who served a few terms as one of Houston's favorite mayors.



Fayez's other (paternal) grandmother, Louisa entertained both the kiddos -- I was most impressed she fit in one of the little children's chairs, frankly. Louisa obviously has not been eating too much of the fine catered fare served up today by Gary Mercer of City Kitchen - our FAVORITE "caterer to the stars"

The others soon starting gathering...this is sweet little Camille.



Sinclair LOVED LOVED LOVED the pony rides. I must have heard "ride again" 172 times!

In between letting others have "a turn" and letting the pony rest she discovered the petting zoo.

Lane and his sister Kackie loved the pygmy goats....they were just a month old and perfect for hauling around.

Lane commented that the turtle moved soooo slow he must be "really tired" -- before I could stop her, Sinclair ran over and said "night, night turrrtell" and gave it a kiss. I have heard of Princess' having to kiss a lot of toads before they find their handsome prince but NEVER a turtle!

Daddy Christopher lighting Fayez's candles and Grandpa "Mayor" Bob getting ready to sing Fayez "Happy Birthday"

When we arrived home "Owl" (aka Al) has the exterior of the doll house about 60% complete. We love to watch it coming together. This is just about the time the sprinkling rain started.

We have put in a full day so far.... dinner was served....ala' "hardhat grub"

By 6:30 pm we recapped our day among the bubbles -- her FAVORITE way to end her days. Also, one more chance to don her hard hat and play "builder" for the night before "lights out"

A Few Sunday "Snaps"

Al has this masterpiece moving along in a speedy pace .....ahead of schedule

Such a beautiful day.....I told Sinclair "maybe later we will get in Daddy's tub" (aka "the hot tub")

Sinclair took this photo of Clementine - she loves looking through the lens and snapping away.

All her animals gather when she swings....."Oscar Wyatt" sits on his protective perch to make sure he has a good view of all squirrels or the rare grass snake.

TEA FOR TWO IS MUCH BETTER IF YOU HAVE 22!

Whomever started the catch phrase "tea for two" -- was not a year and a half, was passionate about "tea party" and had dozens of stuffed animals. Big treat this week: Aunt Paula and Uncle Sam walked over this precious bunny she calls "Hoppy" for Easter prezzies...... she immediately turned him on (the bunny squeaks and hops) and it sent the dogs "straight jacket berserk" --- Sinclair LOVES anything that aggravates the pups.

"Hoppy" came elaborately wrapped with Easter cookies (iced sugar ducks) --- she gathered all of her animals and held afternoon tea. A ritual that does not limit itself to just afternoons as of late.

In our garden room, we have the incredible carved African animal table set up....this was courtesy of our jet-setting Auntie Madeleine and Uncle Boone. She seems to be partial to sitting on the giraffe as of late --last week it was the zebra! Now that I ponder this fabulous gift it does favor Oklahoma State orange.

It is starting to come together like "Peez and Carrots"

We just flew in from Las Vegas and landed to our masterpiece in the making. John won big at his tournament so he left the casino on a high.....when we got home Al has Sinclair's play house about 40 percent complete. Sinclair ran in and out dragging John and I by the hand squealing with excitement.

Sweet Al is getting ready to start preparing the roof and Carlos, our electrician is prepping all the fixtures!

My incredible girlfriend and "artist in residence" Angie (or "Aggie Angie" as my hubby calls her) brought by the table she has been working on for Sinclair. It is truly some of her best work she has ever done.

I have been collecting Jay Strongwater since before Sinclair was born (everyone always seems to know Strongwater is what I love and so that is what I get most of when "prezzies" start circulating at the holidays) --- Angie has brilliantly displayed some of the more festive pieces in one of her signature mosaic tables. She even managed to creatively put a Lisa Jane photo of Sinclair in a picture frame for the back of her "Princess" seat. Gotta love that Angie! Her creativity truly knows no bounds!