Birthday Dinner

There was no singing at DD Elaine's birthday dinner--that was nixed with a shake of the head, but we did have a good time and an unusual guest. The Italian restaurant she chose is a roadside institution of casual dining in Ojai (pronounced O-hi) called Boccali's; we sat outside on wooden picnic tables with umbrellas trying to provide shade.  It was still pretty hot, as the sun had not yet sunk behind the mountains, but we had just a bit of a breeze. 

Here's our unusual guest, craning his neck to see if he could join our table.

DD Erica is a bit freaked out by large birds and bolted with a yelp, but couldn't resist creeping back to take a photo.

This little boy in arms made the same exclamation as his mom brought him over to see the peacock, who soon wandered off to peer at other diners.

The lovely birthday girl took it all in stride with a serene smile.

Our equally precious daughter Erica and son Nick.

The whole family in tableau.  After taking this pic I instructed son-in-law Chris to act like he was having a good time...

And he obliged, causing plenty of laughter.  We ended our delicious Italian meal with fresh homemade strawberry shortcake and birthday wishes.  So glad we were all together to celebrate Elaine's 25th!