The 4th

The Gibs threw a pretty big 4th of July bash at their place. I'm sure there were at least 40 of us, with the kids significantly outnumbering the adults. Great time. Learned how to play ladder golf with Serafina - it's fun! And then there was the "controlled chaos" of the fireworks. OMG. Everyone survived. I tried to get some good fireworks pics with the cell phone, but no go (always have your real camera with you). I did manage to get a photo of what become the day's iconic symbol, a helium balloon rocket! It's been a long time since we last made cheesecakes and leeks au gratin.

Here's a great picture of the Littles that Tracy took before we went over to the party - when they were still fairly clean.

Trip to Los Olivos

Serafina is in PCPA's summer theatre camp program this week, starting today. And this evening, their whole group is going to see PCPA's Shrek in Solvang. So Matt, Lynn, and Jamie tagged along! We visited Los Olivos along the way, and ended up having a great time. Enjoy Cupcakes was our first stop, and in addition to taking care of ourselves, we got a set of cupcakes to take home to Tracy who volunteered to watch all the other kids all afternoon and evening so we could go, and go early in the afternoon. We stumbled onto Epiphany and Cinque Stelle wine tasting rooms - loved 'em both and want to go back to visit the Bubble Shack (champagnes) next door, too. Last stop in Los Olivos was dinner at Sides Hardware and Shoes for dinner - a fantastic find. Even Serafina got wrapped up in the gourmet-ness!

A few more pics are here.

Theatre Wall of Fame

Check out the poster wall Tracy got up in the family room! For all kinds of info about our theatre adventures, check out our Theatrics page. Compound dwellers (sometimes up to 4 at a time) have been involved in all of these shows. And this isn't all of them.

Bye Bye Birdie Cookies

Check out the fantastic "character cookies" that MJ Johnson made for the cast and crew of Bye Bye Birdie! Labor of love, and lots of hours. You should have seen everyone buzzing around these pans, marveling. Here's more on Bye Bye Birdie.

Graduating Audition Class of 2016

Serafina had a great week at Mini Melodies Audition Summer Camp. Nana and Tracy said her final "test" (an audition run in a what-it's-really-like manner) was quite impressive. Sometimes she even surprises us - and we're big fans to begin with.

Drive-In

Getting summer started ASAP. Finding Dori. Front row. Popcorn and candy galore. Dead battery. Great family outing!

Johnny

13 days after David came home from the NICU, Jonathan busted out! This boy has made the last 4 years quite a ride, can't wait to see where he takes us this year.