Happy 12th Birthday Leila bug.

Birthday Surprise:

This morning I take all four kids to the dentist for their check-ups. When we pull up into the driveway my son, Devon, says, "Look mom, you got flowers." So we all get out of the car and find these on the front door step.

But.... they were not for me. They were sent by Uncle Trent for Leila's birthday. What a wonderful surprise.

A night with Taylor Swift

For Leila and Emma's birthdays this year they chose to forgo a party and asked to go to the Taylor Swift concert instead. They are both avid fans and were so excited to learn she was in Concert. So I purchased three tickets and we were off.........with one minor glitch. Twinkie was heartbroken when she learned she wasn't invited. Sooooo, I put her in my purse and snuck her into the concert hall.



A few poses with Taylor. Ok... her poster.

Since we were newbies at the whole going to the concert thing we didn't realize the main player wasn't arriving until an hour and a half after the actual start time. NOT a good idea with a four year old. We tried killing time by taking some pictures... This one.

and this one.
and these



and this one

And then. Finally! Roll of drums...... She appears.








I have not attended a music concert in a very long time. This one was FABULOUS. She was amazing and had many costume changes and all in all a wonderfully presented performance. I would definitely go again.

Emma loves Bibble.

Random summer silliness

A visit to the Ostrich Farm.

We decided to take a quick trip to Solvang and on the way we HAD to stop and visit the Ostriches.

Of course we had to do the usual business of taking pictures first. Ok kids, smile. You can see which two cooperate and which two Do Not.

I guess the Ostriches were hungry despite all the tourists feeding them. They almost ate Leila.

Devon wasn't in the least bit worried they might want to eat him.

Photos with the Fam Bam!

We all went to our favorite Persian restaurant for lunch. Yummy!