Happy Birthday Talia!

One day after brilliant Eila turned 11, our shining Talia turned 19!

I don't have the right words nor did I have the right gifts or the right activities or the right decorations to express how much you mean to us, sweet Talia Lily.  Just know that you brighten our lives!  Thank you for coming home to celebrate with us, even with all our chaos.  Talia worked at the bakery all morning frosting Cougar Tails, went back for the football game in the evening, but still made time to be with us all afternoon.  Brianna, Violet, the Wilhoits, and my parents all joined for the celebration!

On the menu?  Butternut squash soup and flan!  We also had broccoli cheese soup, chicken noodle soup, pumpkin cake, and rice krispies.  Gosh, I love my family who is always willing to pitch in and bring something!  It made throwing together a party a piece of cake.

Only thing I should have thought about was candles.  I tossed all of our old candles during a kitchen clean-out and forgot to replace.  This "five" was all I could rummage up!  Ah well.  I already have a reputation for messing up candle ages, so it works well.  Plus, if I could, I would absolutely turn back time and welcome five year-old Talia all over again.

All of Talia's gifts were thoughtful and so appreciated.  However, Eli's gifts stole the show.

A hand-crafted Conan Gray teardrop necklace!

Plus, for extra good measure, Talia's very own Taylor Swift bust.  Eli, you're amazing!

Many thanks to everyone for coming to support our kind and creative gal with the winsome smile.  Talia, we all love you!

Especially Zion.