Weekend Celebration

(Little D, opening his gift from his sister and her boyfriend)

This past weekend, we celebrated my son's 13th birthday, which took place in my hometown of Orange in Orange County (Southern California, that is). It started with a meet-up consisting of my daughter, her boyfriend, my brother, hubby Mr. B and of course, the birthday boy, Little D and I at...

...a favorite (and original) 1940's/1950's diner in the heart of 'Old Towne' Orange, called Watson's Drugstore...a real treat. (My Rueben, above...the best!).

Afterwards, while the boys played at the Army-Navy store, my daughter and I ducked out to take in a couple shops . The first was 'Paris in a Cup'. Very, very cute! While we oooohed and aaaaahed at the American translation of what French style is, the tea and treats section in the back was hosting a bridal shower. Very cute...

(The front of 'Paris in a Cup')

Next door, one of Orange's several 'antique malls', filled with stalls of all things vintage and antique.

My daughter, proclaiming seriously, "I think I'm in love with hats now"....as if I should be writing this down :)

Outside, the center of 'Old Towne' Orange, what we call 'the Circle'...really just a very beautiful roundabout with the old fountain in the middle, old rose gardens, palm trees and benches to take it all in.

Afterwards, we all piled into 3 cars and headed over to the house I grew up in, just to feed my nostalgia. Here is one of many, many historically preserved homes in and around Orange (no, this is not my house :).

Then, onto the freeway, to follow my brother to his boat in Long Beach...the highlight of our day and Little D's birthday celebration.

A handsome friend I met along the way. I can never resist meeting a border collie. As usual, always the friendliest dogs.

My daughter can't resist as well :)

Little D and the daughters boyfriend, as we cruise past the freight carriers.

Cruise ship. Nothing like hundreds of happy people about to embark on a journey, waving to you!

One of the many port restaurants.

Tug boat

Mr. Pelican

Sunbathers

Lighthouse

V formation

Another cruise ship

Bon Voyage!

I'm fascinated by the freight carriers, there were so many more pics...

Just for me?

End of a beautifully perfect day....

Last stop, my brother suggested dinner on a floating restaurant that served up the best fish & chips and Newcastle.

Fun, food, family...that's what it's all about. We're all meeting up again in a couple weeks to visit the 'Aquarium of the Pacific'. Can't wait to share that with you as well!

~ER~