The world seems to be in a holding pattern yet birthdays just keep coming. Living in Los Angeles we feel every change that is occurring amplified. It is so hard to keep a sense of normalcy with children when social modifications have taken their toll. That is why this year 8 is Great! My very own little girl's birthday had me reflecting on what it would be like to have a birthday with out friends and parties. A birthday with just immediate family. I have gotta say it was pretty fun

The goal of the day was to have as much fun as possible. We started with a scavenger hunt for presents and then had doughnuts from our favorite place, Yum Yum Doughnuts in Agoura Hills, California. We then went on to.

 Ride bikes in the park

Go for a walk

Have a water gun and water balloon fight in the pool

We picnicked, Southern California the weather is amazing right now

We hand built a beach house in Malibu, well for Barbie

We played dolls, hung out, talked and picked out matching anklets lol

There was Limbo

Gymnastics

Glow sticks, night swimming and a whole lot of laughter

As parents it is hard not to feel guilty having to restrict the normality of something like a birthday party. I hated her not having friends around. However, with some creative thinking you can turn a family back yard birthday into "the greatest birthday ever!" ~ Olivia age 8

Jenny Puranen, a lifestyle photographer working in Los Angeles, California. My photojournalism degree from from University of South Carolina has led to my current style consisting of Lifestyle photography with a documentary flair. My work can be seen in 100's of publications and newspapers throughout the Country.

 Jenny Puranen Photography services Oak Park, California, Thousand Oaks, California, West Los Angeles, California, Agoura Hills , California and surrounding areas 
including but not limited to Malibu, Calabasas, West Lake Village and all of the Conejo Valley, Ventura County and Los Angeles County