Cali trip for Cirdan and I

We started our morning out by finding a good 'hole in the wall' breakfast restaurant. It was close by an outside mall so we parked at the mall and walked there. We sat on the patio and ate. One of my favorite things to do when we got out of town is eat on the patio for breakfast when it is nice and sunny. It just starts the day out right!

We were supposed to be going to the Chelsea Handler show in a couple hours and on the ticket it said that I couldn't take a big purse so I got a smaller purse to carry my stuff in. Cirdan also bought a couple of ties (that he ended up leaving in our hotel room on accident when we left).

On our way back to the hotel we saw some signs to go up to the observatory. I knew that this was a great spot to see the Hollywood sign so we took a detour and drove up to it. There was some coyotes on the side of the road hanging out....

There were a ton of people but we got lucky and someone was pulling out of a parking stall right up front. It was perfect! We got out...locked the door...walked across the little parking lot to this fence. We took some pictures. Probably away from the car about 5 minutes. I had stuffed my black purse under the seat and it was not noticeable at all. We were going to be close enough that I could see the car and there was a bunch of people walking around. As soon as we headed back I got this weird feeling. I opened the car door and just knew it. My purse was stolen. Cirdan didn't believe me at first and I honestly didn't believe it either. It all happened so fast! Cirdan ran over to the ranger standing about 20 feet away and they called someone over to help us. The ranger eventually questioned us and wrote up a police report. I called my mom instantly since I was freaking out about how I was going to get back on the plane with no ID. I then remembered they had my bank cards so I got off the phone from my mom and called the bank. The short amount of time that took by the time I called the bank they had already used my card at the gas station down the hill. The whole time on our trip I think that was one of the only times I carried my purse with me. I was so mad!!! I was however happy that I had my camera and phone with me so that wasn't taken. You can't replace pictures like you can everything that was in my purse. Looking at these pictures still make my blood boil but I hate dwelling on things so I have to let it go. :)

The airport had no real issue with me not having ID. I had called before hand to tell them what happened and they gave me 'the special' treatment a the airport. (more pat down than usual)

So after we got back to our hotel we decided to stay there and eat. I was still in shock/sad over my purse so I ate a huge helping of nachos (okay, not the whole thing). It didn't really help. :) 

Loved this view looking from where the elevator was

These pictures are out of order. This is one that I took on the way to Griffith Observatory

While this was being taken my purse was getting stolen. Jokes on me.

Dumb Sign

Took a picture while we waited at the car

At least someone is smiling

The damage to the car. They popped the driver side lock.

That evening we met up with friends from Washington. We always plan to get together but never do. It took us all being in California to finally have dinner together! It was Melissa's birthday so we celebrated with her at Universal City Walk

Our Last Night

Our plane left at 7am so we woke up super duper early to get to the airport. We had to get there even earlier than usual since I didn't have an ID. 

By the time we got on the plane the sun was starting to come up

Home sweet home!

Ella's Birthday

Ella woke up the day of her birthday to a balloon with a note attached to it. She was super excited to read it. As soon as Cirdan was up we let her read it. It said that Ella would be going somewhere and it was a surprise. She would have to follow the clues to get a letter and then unscramble the letters to see where she would be traveling. It took her all around the house and at the end she put them together....

DISNEYLAND!!

She was going to be going to Disneyland with daddy that next Monday. She says (today), "I felt like I was soooooo excited. I felt like I was going to go today."

Jett and I took donuts to her Kindergarten class that afternoon. It was funny, there was another kid in her class with the same birthday. We decided to get donuts thinking that they would get cupcakes or cookies or something. They also brought in donuts though so the kids got lots of donuts that day! I bought them from Legendary Donuts and they were green and yellow (Ella choose with colors) with sparkles.

That night we had the family over for dinner and cake.

Ella with Annabelle

She wasn't able to blow them out on one try and she thought it was funny

All ready for Disneyland!

Cannon loves Mickey so he was loving the Minnie doll Ella got (and apparently her hat also)

Birthday Spanks!

Papa's turn

Even Annabelle gave Ella spanks

We played Headbandz - a game that Amy and Nate gave her. It was actually fun and tricky. Ella played better than most of us!

Crazy my baby is already 6! It was just like yesterday she was a baby and I would have to leave her when I would go to work. She has turned out to be a fun, spunky, sassy and very loving young lady. She is a wonderful older sister and her brothers love playing with her. She takes care of them and is always there to help. She has a huge heart and if anyone is having a bad day she will be the first to go hug and rub their backs. Ella still loves cereal and has it almost every morning. She loves dance and wants to be on the team next year. She loves math at school and she is actually really good at it! She is also really good at reading and she can read most everyday words.

Taryn and Ella Get Pedicures

Taryn wanted to take Ella to do something fun for her birthday. She decided that getting pedicures would be super fun....and it was! It was Ella's first time getting a pedicure and she can't wait to go back! She loved when they put the hot towel on her.

Taryn is the best!!