Talia's Birthday Spark

So, I'm totally overwhelmed right now with everything that needs to be done before Christmas, or more precisely, before we leave for Omaha on Friday.  Blogging isn't really on that list, but physically and emotionally, I'm spent.  Blogging is a great excuse to snuggle deep between the covers and pretend that I'm still being productive.  Besides, I feel justified in putting tasks aside since Jason is currently off seeing Star Wars--may the force be with him.

Talia Lily!

In mid-November, this sweet girl turned eleven years old.  Her Daddy treated her to a yummy stack of pancakes for breakfast.

For lunch, I checked Talia out of school and took her to our favorite Thai restaurant, Sawadee.

As we dined, I told Talia that after years and years of begging for a guinea, her dream was finally coming true.  We headed straight from lunch to an animal shelter in Orem.  She may have walked in empty-handed, but she walked out with a box.

Inside was the friendliest little guy, Spark.

Technically his name is Archer Spartacus Nibbles Potter.  Annika really wanted to name him Archer after her preschool crush, or else Nibbles for obvious reasons.  Jason thought he needed a name mighty as Spartacus to survive in our crazy house, and Brooklyn and Eli added Potter, of course.  I thought about suggesting Cuy, but decided it would be inappropriate.  So why do we call him Spark?  Well, that's the name that his prior owners gave him.

So far Spark is adjusting well to the family.  Most of the time he chirps and coos happily, although he will occasionally squeal when Annika holds him too tightly.

Other favorite presents--Hugo and Bop It from Uncle Justin and Aunt Brianna.  Her grandparents spoiled her with a wall-mounted CD player and a huge skein of yarn.  Thanks to all!

Celebrating with Ruby was particularly fun.

Last but not least, candles for our brownie cake.

Happy, happy birthday Talia Lily, and welcome to the family Spark.