Birthday Celebration!

Turning 12 is a big deal! Kennedy was hoping to celebrate in style so we surprised her with a trip to California.

A big advantage of living in Henderson is the proximity to California. Thursday morning we drove down to San Diego to say hello to Uncle Helmer and eat dinner at Kennedy's favorite place - The Fish Hut in Carlsbad. It was a bit chilly but we snuggled together and enjoyed the atmosphere. After dinner we drove to Anaheim where we stayed the night. We still hadn't told her what else we had planned.

In the morning we headed out to Knott's Berry Farm where her friend Grace was waiting. She was so thrilled to be able to not only spend the day with her family but her close friend too.

Ghostrider was the first ride and the last roller coaster for the boys. Eric waited in line with us for an hour only to realize he didn't fit. Such a bummer to have long legs in this instance. Kennedy, Grace and I braved a few other "scary" rides but the lines were long and food was important. We spent valuable time eating at Johnny Rockets because that's what we do. The twins just wanted to buy their souvenir and be done.

It was in the 50's and I was cold the whole day. Jackson, on the other hand, ditched his long-sleeved undershirt and sported this look. He's bringing sexy back!

Bumper cars are always fun. Everyone was able to ride in these.

Their guns - all they really cared about. Leighton commented as we were leaving the park, "This was so much fun. I thought we were just going to a farm with berries." It's best to have low expectations.

Kennedy was very thankful for the birthday surprise.

Kennedy and Grace won this stuffed animal for Boston in the ball toss. It was shedding all over everything. It will probably last a few days at our house.

We scoped out all the Italian fare in the area and settled on "Mama Cozza's" for New Year's Eve dinner. It was featured in Diner's, Drive-in's and Dive's. However, I hate to say it, it wasn't very good. Sorry Rylee. You might want to skip out on this one.

Kennedy disappeared at the end of the meal and came out of the bathroom sick. She had big plans of ringing in the new year by going to the fitness center at the hotel and soaking in the hot tub but all this was cut short. She went straight to bed. Her body cannot handle much greasy food and she over did it what with the apple fritter for breakfast, the French fries for lunch, the mozzarella sticks and pesto pasta for dinner. Poor thing. Every other year, she gets sick on her birthday.

Today, her actual birthday, we drove home and celebrated with dinner at Pei Wei. Grandpa and Grandma Bateman joined us. Luckily she was feeling much better and was able to enjoy her favorite Chinese food.

And her favorite dessert - cheesecake.

Tomorrow she will be an official "Young Woman" and she couldn't be more thrilled. We are thrilled with the daughter that she is and love her dearly.

Happy 12th Birthday Kennedy!