a beautiful day

We went whale watching and saw lots of fin whales.  On the way back in we were rewarded with a large pod of dolphins jumping in our wake.  Then we were treated to a gorgeous sunset--the benefit of going on the 3 o'clock cruise, the trade-off being it was a bit chilly.
I don't need much reminding, but sometimes days stand out where I really love where we live.

Side-note:  I took all of these photos on the little Lumix Geoff gave to me for Christmas.  I am really happy with the colors it produces, I didn't do a dang thing to the last two photos.  It is a great little point and shoot.
Thanks to the nice man who snapped the picture of the three of us! xo

she is an enigma

She wanted to change into something "cuter" to look for worms.  I said, "No, you look plenty cute." 

She had a little reaction to one of her vaccinations, so we kept an eye on her at home until she could see her pediatrician. The weather was gorgeous, and we savored it by cleaning off the back patio, and having a picnic lunch on the lawn.  It was a nice impromptu day off together.  She got the all-clear from the doctor and we celebrated with a coffee and a cookie at Portola Coffee Lab at OC Mart Mix. They have one of the best cookies I've ever tasted, an apricot ginger molasses cookie, and I am in search of a recipe that is similar.  So yummy.  If you know of one, please send it this way! 

the most sensational muppet party

Last year I did a less than stellar job planning Chloe's birthday party.  I don't think she noticed, because she had a great time.  But I had a good case of mommy guilt over it.  This year?  This year was awesome!  Through excellent timing and our proximity to Hollywood, we were able to make her wishes come true and man, did that feel GOOD. Also?  We got to see Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy in person!  I was just as excited as she was.  

After seeing the Muppets over Thanksgiving weekend, she decided she wanted a Muppet birthday party. I was gung-ho to make it happen for her, planning out crafts and food. I collected images on Pinterest and showed them to her.  She was disappointed, "that's not what I was thinking.  I want Kermit and Miss Piggy there."  I couldn't foresee a way to make that happen.  I'm sure a Beverly Hills housewife could make that happen--with connections and cash, but I have neither   I remembered the flier from the El Capitan which included a holiday singalong with Kermit and Miss Piggy...LIVE.  We booked it, and she invited her bestie from preschool. I'm happy to say it lived up to all of our expectations.  Sometimes Disney really comes through with the magic, and this was one of those times for sure.  

The girls realized during the movie that we were in thee Muppet Theater and they squealed with delight. 

I packed fruit loops and gummy bears for a rainbow connection, we had popcorn, too. After the movie we got to visit Miss Piggy's wardrobe. The lavender one was Penny's favorite, the sparkly one was Chloe's, the black leather karate one was mine.  Geoff loved them all.

After the movie and viewing Miss Piggy's wardrobe we stepped out for some fresh air, and back in again for The Most Sensational Muppet Party, also known as lunch.

*I have yet to get to all the fabulous pictures from lunch, but I will add them one of these days! We had such a great time.