The Animal Magician!!

 We had the great pleasure of going to see the John Abrams Animal Magic Show at one of our Orange County Public Libraries!

John was sooo funny and so entertaining.

He kept the kids and adults laughing!

He introduced different animals,

and not just your ordinary creatures,

hello CHINCHILLA!!

We learned a little about the animals

and got to see a little magic as well!

John loves to pose for pictures!

We all loved the show and can't wait to see him again!

Thanks Animal Magician!!

http://www.amazingschoolassemblies.com/

http://www.animalmagician.com/

Pretend City Birthday Celebration!!

Last week we had the super fun opportunity to attend

the birthday party for Pretend City!!

Our family had never been, but when my friend Kyla told me that Plum District was running a way awesome deal, we had to go!!

You know we're all about the food, and there were some great vendors on hand to keep our tummies happy!!

The cake pops from Just a Bite were just too delicious!!

 Dippin' Dots were cool and refreshing and so darn cute!!

The popcorn was awesome!! Super tasty.

And after all that, we each got to fill a bag

with treats from B. Candy!!

The kids' favorite place was the stage!! They made their way around the town, but kept coming back to perform!

Kelsey loved the little chicks. I was so glad they were behind glass so she couldn't love them too much!!

The garden area was super fun with all sorts of plants to dig up and replant and all the tools and "dirt" for the perfect garden!

And she could shop to her heart's content in the Ralphs grocery store. Finally, no mommy telling her what she can and can't buy! (I am glad to see she put mostly fruit in there!)

Thank you so much Pretend City and Plum District

for a totally awesome adventure!!

Adam

Last week we had an unexpected loss in our family.

David's older brother Adam died in the night.

Although he had struggled with health problems for a long time, no one expected him to pass away so quickly, and so suddenly. His death is a mystery and a sad loss to all who knew him.

 He leaves behind 2 daughters, two parents who love him dearly,

 5 brothers, 5 sister-in-laws, 11 nieces and nephews,

and countless other people whose lives he touched in some way.

Although I have known Adam for close to 20 years,

 his death and services were very enlightening to me.

I loved hearing all the stories from people

who had known him far longer than me and who had insights

into him that I never would have seen.

He was strong and stubborn, dedicated and talented,

rough and tough, and a lover of all small children.

Above all, his reputation for helping others

is the one thing that stood out to everyone.

I mourn his loss for those who are left behind and miss him,

but I rejoice in knowing that he has been released

 from his weak earthly body and given the chance to rest, heal, and reunite with others who love him too.

Ballerina Birthday Bash!!

Kelsey turned 3, and I decided it was time for a totally girly, outrageously cute, fabulous fun PARTY!!!

She loves to dance so we had a Ballerina Birthday Bash!

Scrapgirls had just what I was looking for to make this

perfectly polkadotty invite!

I'd been wanting to make this totally fantastic balloon wreath from How Does She forever, and this was the perfect occasion!

 I added a little pennant bunting for fun! 

 I made rainbow tutus for all the little ballerinas.

We feasted on strawberry and donut hole kabobs...

 ...and strawberry shortcake!!

That fabulous tiered plate was made from plates and sundae glasses from the dollar store!! Such a steal, and so easy!!

 Capri-suns are always tastier under the table.

 Ballerina Birthday Banner with graphics from Print Candee!

 Tissue Pom-poms were hanging from the trees! 

We settled down on the blanket for a ballerina book.

  They loved it!

 We danced around the green...

 ...twirled around...

 ...and skipped around the roses!

We played pin the tutu on Kelsey!

And sang to our favorite birthday ballerina!!

 It's all about the frosting.

 Birthday balloon favors for all the little ballerinas!

 And tied to the bottom, bracelets and a wand wrapped in chiffon!

She had lots of help opening presents!

We are so blessed to have friends and family to share the fun!!

 She had a ball at her ballerina birthday bash!!

And I had a ball creating it for her!
Happy Birthday Kelsey!!!

Dancing in the Rain!!

Yesterday morning we had the most delightful, unexpected rain! I was just saying that it had been so long since it had rained that the hills were turning brown. So sad. And then, RAIN!!!

Of course we had to go play in it.

We went to church after that and came out later to 89 degrees and miserable humidity, but our morning rain dance was worth it!!