Happy Birthday to Me!

Sunday was my birthday but my kids took me to dinner on Saturday. We had a great meal at Bayside in Newport Beach and then went back to my daughter and her husband's place for surprises! Instead of a cake, they got yummy cupcakes from Sprinkles. There was a variety of flavors so we picked four, cut them in quarters and enjoyed a sampling paired with pink champagne.

The apartment was glowing with all the lights and decorations for Christmas. It all made for a very fun, tasty, and might I add classy celebration. Those kids are so clever.

A champagne toast with Jason.

He gave me a very stylish water decanter and glass for my bedroom. Another way to go green, no more plastic bottles on the nightstand.


Cuddles with Sarah and Pedro.

They bought me a new game, "In a Pickle", which we played after the cupcakes. It was lots of fun and we shared many laughs.

A fun birthday night. Thanks guys, I love you.

Sketching at the Zoo

Nathan and Matthew, my eight year old twin nephews, came for a two day visit. It was an art trip to play in my studio. On the second day we decided to venture out and sketch at the Santa Ana Zoo. Now I thought, "Okay, this is good for maybe an hour." The boys really enjoyed sketching at the zoo and we were there for over two hours. Good job, guys!

It was fun but those critters are not easy to sketch when they are on the move! I think I need a little more practice on animal body shapes.

One of the things the boys were excited about was the fact that I was sketching them while they were sketching. I have heard they have continued sketching. Next time they are over I will have to share some of their drawings. It was great to see their enthusiasm for sketching.

Robert Bateman Sketchbook

Pen and Watercolor