busy birthday beaver

after her red eye on thursday night, ann slept most of friday morning away, despite the fact that it was her birthday. while she snoozed, dabney toiled away in the kitchen cutting, slicing and dicing. for ann's big day, dab planned a whole day of ann's favorite things- that is, food, beginning with a lakeside picnic in larz anderson park in nearby brookline. ann thought she had been there before, but upon arrival, realized she was getting her urban oases mixed up. they picked a nice spot under a tree and away from the mowers.


larz anderson park

it was the first time they used this oh-so-colorful chinese-style lunchbox that they picked up in bangkok back in may. they thought it so cute at the time that they swore more picnics would be in store for them this summer. eh, one is not so bad.


lunchbox


pictured (clockwise from left to right): zucchini pancakes, egg salad, tomato/mozzarella/basil salad, carrots, and spicy cucumber salad.

and as if that weren't enough, dabney planned a special meal later that evening complete with festive handmade decorations. and to prove her unconditional love for her annie, the girl cooked meat - a very rare occasion indeed. ashbloem and american boy added the party zeal and appropriate meat lovers' appreciation.



between all the menu preparations, shopping, marinating, and requisite chopping, dabney also found the time to create ann a one-of-a-kind birthday present - her very own tee bag, shoe bag, and beaded stroke counter for her favorite pastime. ann just adored them all.