Birthday Parties

Saturday Julie had a surprise 25th birthday party for Marie (her birthday isn't until November) and it was a surprise!  She had it at a sports bar called Yankee Doodles on the promenade in Santa Monica and two blocks from the Santa Monica pier.  She did it early as she knew Dayna and Darin would be out here and it would be nice for Marie to have family there as well as her friends.  It was wonderfully cool there after the 90s & 100s in the valley all week.

Daddy's party was Sunday.  After a few people had arrived and we were just sitting around talking, Dom asked his mom when the party was going to begin.  Dayna had to explain that a party for a 90 year old is a lot different than a party for a nine year old!!

It was so nice to have a mini-family reunion.  Cousins were there who hadn't seen each in years, or ever, and an aunt and uncle who had never been to Mom & Dad's.  A lot of other siblings couldn't be there due to health issues (which we all understood).

We had worked hard all week in preparation; painting & putting up trellises in the front yard, planting vines to climb them, pruning and weeding, shopping and cooking and planning.  It was worth all the effort as everyone really enjoyed themselves - knowing that it may be the last time some of them will be together.

My cousin, Carrie, and I went back down to the promenade Tuesday.  We didn't have a chance to enjoy it on Saturday as we had Mom & Dad with us & needed to get them back home.  It was nice to be able to just relax in the sun and surf.

Donna, our company is now all gone and things have calmed down so I plan to get back to that sundress.  Sorry for the delay.