Birthday Weekend for Melissa

On Friday I turned 49. I'm almost a half-century old. That's hard to believe when I still feel like some young, hawt 20-something inside. The bod is moving more slowly, and changes are happening. Mostly I've carried extra weight since my bought with depression several years ago, and I'm too tired to do anything about it. Haha! Someday I would love to have this whole weight thing under control. I'd actually like to go back and appreciate my younger body that was NOT overweight, even though I thought it always was.  Live and learn. At any rate...

Saturday was Tammy's annual Girls' Day, and this year's theme was "A Night in Paris."  She had desserts and breads and delicious food, and the decor was soooo cute.  My friend, Trisha, came and sang at the little backyard bistro. She sang in French and English, and it was so beautiful. During her breaks and after her sets were done, we would visit and enjoy the party. Michelle and Sheryl were also there, and we had a blast being together.

Sunday was a quiet church day, and Kelly and the girls made a birthday dinner for me. We had Shepherd's pie and chocolate cake and cupcakes.  I felt pampered and loved. Here's to the first 49 years. Next year is the big 5-0.  Not sure I'm ready, but I am grateful to be healthy and happy and surrounded by loving family and friends.

FVHS Frosh/Soph VB Beat Edison!

Jenna has been enjoying a successful pre-season setting and blocking. She has great instincts, and it's really fun to watch her play. Tonight, Jenna set all three games against Edison and...FVHS WON!!! No one beats Edison, seriously. But our girls did it, and Jenna had an AMAZING game. Friends were able to come and cheer, and we took Jenna to her favorite restaurant afterward for dinner (Soup Plantation). She deserved it! So proud of your hard work bug-a-boo!

Harry Potter World!

Today was the day that the Peterson family went to Hogwarts! We purchased Universal Studios Hollywood passes, and we got to choose our first day from any day on the calendar (no blackout applied). The Kohanek family were also having their first experience, and we chose a date that worked for both our families.

We spent HOURS in the Harry Potter portion of the park. The village of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts were simply magical. We rode the Quidditch experience inside the castle and the Hippogriff rollercoaster. And then we shopped and explored. The girls purchased interactive wands in Ollivanders, we had butter beer, and we had lunch at the Three Broomsticks. We visited Honeydukes and bought candy, and the Weasly's shop also. We spent some time roaming and checking out every alley and shop, and the girls had a great time using their wands.

We did explore a bit of the rest of the park and took the back lot tour, but by far, the day belonged to getting lost in the Harry Potter experience.

Family Time at Disneyland

Spent some time at Disneyland and CA Adventure tonight. Had to have our last ride(s) on The Tower of Terror before it goes away. Decided to go visit Star Wars in the old America Sings area. Kilo Ren was taking visitors. He didn't much like Kelly at first, but then he let him join us. Too funny. We love our happy place.

Newsies!

When we found out Newsies was coming to the Pantages in Hollywood, I knew we needed tickets! The girls and I went for a mom/daughters date, and we had a wonderful time. Our seats were great and this show! Oh how amazing! The singing, choreography, staging...everything about it was wonderful. There was a moment during the 50th Jubilee when Heather considered dropping out of the Newsies number, but I told her when she sat in the theater watching the Broadway production, she would be sad that she didn't dance in a number when she had the chance.  She agreed back in June, and she was over-the-moon watching "Seize the Day" on this stage! I'm so glad we took a moment to make this happen. Jenna loved it too. It has been such a pleasure to share my love of the theater with my daughters.

Firsts and Lasts

Today was Jenna's first day of high school, and it was Heather's last first day of high school. A Freshman and a Senior. Hard to believe we're finally here at this season of our lives. Heather met friends at school. She is so happy to be nearly done with high school.  Jenna met friends at Abbey's house, and they walked to school together. It's great that Jenna has such a huge posse to lend support on this big day.  Time is moving way too fast! How many times have I said THAT on this blog?

Last Days of Summer - Disneyland with Heather

Soaking up the last days of summer today with Heather at Disneyland. Jenna had volleyball practice today so, Kelly and I tag teamed. Heather and I went in the morning, and then Kelly arrived and switched with me in the afternoon so I could help Jenna get to her practice.

We had so much fun hanging out at our favorite place today. We photographed the Tower of Terror which will be transforming into another theme at the first of the year and had silly fun.  Then Kelly and Heather rode their favorite rides and had adventures with Chewy as well as a yummy dinner.