August 15, 2015: Family party for Hudson's 5th birthday

Jessica invited the whole gang and some friends to celebrate Hudson's birthday at the Dunlap home today. The party had a Ninja Turtles theme, and Jess had the dining room decorated in the Ninja's colors with streamers and green balloons with the different colored masks on them--very clever.

She planned an elaborate scavenger hunt for the kids wherein each child gathered prizes in their Ninja Turtle party bags at each location. At the last station, the kids got to pick up weapons (toy swords) and go outside to attack Shredder (the bad guy) piñata that Jess and the boys had made. The piñata was filled with candy and little Ninja toys that the kids had fun picking up from the grass. Then everyone enjoyed the delicious pizza, cupcakes, and ice cream for lunch. Only someone like me or another adult can appreciate the creativity, time, and work this party entailed! Great party Jessica! And Happy 5th Birthday to our wonderful Hudson boy!!

Party host, Jessica, with Tatum Scarberry and the birthday boy, Hudson

Jessica's best friend, Andrea Scarberry, with son Silas

Shauna with her cuties, Elise and Tyler

Papa Sebastian operates the piñata rope for the kids 

 Beau in his Ninja headband

Hudson's best friend from preschool, Jaxson

Happy party boy Hudson with his loot bag 

Ready to fight Shredder with his sword!

Another little Ninja warrior--little brother Beau

Adorable cousin, Joey 

This little guy was so upset to leave the house and toys behind!

LOVE this sweet shot of cousin Tyler

Shredder and Shredder--I mean Sam!

Jaxson's sister and mom

Jaxson's dad and baby sister

Joey's turn to hit the piñata

Did someone lose this little ninja?

Hudson's turn to attack Shredder

Jess helps with the piñata, with cute expectant Kiley in the background 

Me with Jessica and Jacob--sure love these kids!

Hudson and his wonderful dad

Sam dressed as Shredder--what a ham!

Tyler eating his pizza 

My sweet Jacob

Jacob's sweet boy Tyler eating his cupcake

Beautiful Shauna holding baby Hannah

Hannah Grace Dunlap, 3 months old today

She gets cuter all the time and is so animated

Jessica with her daughter Hannah and the
crocheted blanket from Grandma Joy Hobbs

August 10, 2015: Back to London and a date at the Aldwych Theater

To end our last full day in England on a high note, we went back to London for final souvenir shopping; more sightseeing; and to watch a performance of "Beautiful--The Carol King Musical" at the Aldwych Theater in the city of Westminster. The musical was FANTASTIC! Definitely a clean family show that was entertaining and superbly performed.

Back in London

First stop: the Aldwych Theater to buy tickets for the 7:30pm performance
of "Beautiful--The Carol King Musical"

Inside the main entrance of the theater to the ticket counter

Standing outside the Aldwych Theater 

Once the most expensive building in London to rent office space in 

The huge British Museum--free to the public

Egyptian statues and artifacts

Replica of Syrian ruins

St. Paul's Cathedral in London

Entrance to St. Paul's Cathedral

This cute couple was having their wedding photos taken near this
red phone booth with St. Paul's Cathedral in the background

St. Paul's Cathedral is as large as a mall!

Mike and St. Paul's seen from Millennium Bridge

 Cool shot of Tower Bridge seen from Millenium Bridge

Shakespeare's Theater in the Round

 Stopping near the River Thames

 We ate at The Anchor our last day in London

 My very tasty Grilled Chicken Salad

 Mike's yummy cheeseburger and thick-cut fries

 Mike, the red phone booth, and a good view of St. Paul's

A pub in Covent Garden--a fun shopping area with street performers

Ceiling lights inside the Aldwych Theater

 Balconies inside the theater

 Decorative balcony box seats near the stage

 Seated and ready for the show to begin