Crime Wave!

Hard economic times means increased crime, even in

America's playground(?)

Should Talia and her family be concerned?

See for yourself here.

Talia, Elizabeth, and Arnold

451 years ago today, the Elizabethan age began in England.

6 years ago today, the Arnold era began in California.

And Talia is 64 weeks old today.

"So?", you ask.

Why, it's an ideal time for a retrospective music video, of course.

One week at a time.

See for yourself here

Halloween Outings

Talia looks for inspiration for choosing her

first Halloween costume.

"I need something seasonal. Something fashion

foward."

"A costume that makes a statement. What could it be?"

"Wait on! Eureka!"

Party night, and Talia is ready.

But it looks like Mom and Dad still need

some sleep.

Nothing scares Talia.

Nothing, I tell you!

"I love these back-to-nature parties."

What a night. Pleasant dreams!?

Halloween Prep

This year, we carved a jack-o-latern, following

the design created by Talia's mom.

But since it's been a long time since

we've done this sort of thing, we decided to have

the pumpkin inspected before we lit it up.

In the spirit of full disclosure, we've

decided to make the inspector's report public.

See for yourself here: Pumpkin inspector

Boo!

Wanna guess?

Whose wedding anniversary is it today?

Happy Fourth to Talia's Mom and Dad!

Happy Birthday, Grandmama!

A special message from Talia:

Grandmama Pattee,

We live on opposite sides of the country

but you always make sure we get together...

... and have lots of fun...

... in all sorts of ways.

So, for your birthday, here are some

suggestions for fun things to do.

Birthday suggestions

Rock the celebration, Grandmama!

Love,

Talia Pearl

Take Five at the Kid's Club

Talia likes to relax and unwind at the local Kid's Club.

Lots to do.

Lots to see.

See for yourself at this link: Take Five

Happy Birthday, Great-Gramama!

Hi Mamie Clem,

I wish you the BEST of all birthdays!

I haven't had a chance to meet you yet. But I feel like

I know lots about you already from Papi. Things like

your favorite lullaby. And examples of patience and

grace (OK, those last things are more from stories instead

of setting an example.)

To show you how I spend a typical day out here,

have a look at this video clip.

Busy day

But on your special day, you should definitely kick

your shoes off and enjoy, just like I did on my birthday.

Love you,

Talia Pearl

Happy Birthday, Aunt Margaret!

A special message from Talia for Aunt Margaret:

We always get together in the most interesting

places and you always bring the most fun

things.

A doggy in LA,

a blanket in Las Vegas,

a necklace in Yosemite.

But most fun of all, you always

bring cousins Anjelica and Sebastian!

Maybe we have some things in common...

Don't forget to down an extra piece of

cake for me

Have a yummy celebration, Aunt Margaret!

Bisous,

Talia Pearl

Recital

Cousins Alex and Max are real

role models for Talia. She recently treated

her mom to an impromtu, solo performance.

First, adjust the seat (don't ask).

Ten fingers, no less.

Just one hand.

"Thank you, thank you very much."

See and hear the entire performance here:

Concert

Talia has left the building!

More Birthday Fun

Take a deep breath, we have lots to cover.

First, we have more pix of the birthday

party, thanks to Aunt Stephanie.

Here's Talia giving Dad a candle-blowing lesson on

one of her three birthday cakes. (We like cake.)

Did we mention it was a pool party?

After a rigorous screening procedure, Papi allows

Carson to give Talia a birthday kiss.

Mamie gets some face time with the birthday girl.

If done right, parties are exhausting.

But, on her actual birthday, Talia is rested and ready

for an early birthday smooch from Mom.

Then Mom and Dad took her (along with Mamie

and Papi) to lunch at an Indian restaurant.

An aperitif is a must.

Chickpeas are delish. "Can I borrow your

napkin, Mom?"

Then time to open and play with what has become one of

her favorite toys, thanks to Cousin Natalie, Aunt Nicole

and Uncle Pierre...

... who also serenaded Talia with a live video version

of Happy Birthday.


And there was more fun, like walking barefoot

in the public library, opening lots of presents, and

even more cake. But the photographer couldn't

keep up.

Growing up can be fun.