Syd's Birthday Extravaganza

OMG. I have SO much to catch up on since the last time I blogged (almost two weeks ago?!) but rather than do a huge catch up post, I thought I'd start with Syd's Seventh Birthday Extravaganza!

If you want to have all the feels, start with the beginning, and then a few of the in-betweens.

Syd asked to ride in a plane for her birthday (actually for the last few birthdays). This year I was messing around on websites and realized that I could actually probably fly her and I to LA for cheaper than a bounce house birthday party. Plus no awkward small talk, cutting guest lists, or crappy presents we don't need. That combined with a more-than-decent tax return cemented the deal. We started planning for a girls trip to see my brother and his wife. Syd wanted to hang out with her aunt, who she idolizes, and go to Hollywood. I'm pretty sure she had no idea what "Hollywood" was, but she wanted to see it.

She insisted on pulling the suitcase, which meant that not only was I traveling with a kid and not stressed, but I didn't even have to carry my own luggage. 

Just the first of MANY MOTY food choices of the weekend

 This girl. She is a traveling DREAM. She carried her own stuff everywhere. She didn't whine or complain or get antsy when she was bored. She handled crowds like a champ, which is doubly impressive for a person who is ass-height.

Hollywood!!

She wasn't super into the characters but she did want a picture with this specific Chewbacca. No idea how SuperMan ties in. 

She saw this picture and said, "I look happy!" 

 In Hollywood, she wanted to go to Ripley's and see a movie. She loved Ripley's as much as I'd hoped. This one had a lot of interactive displays (and a farting bathroom!)

The Hollywood sign is back there. It's surprisingly hard to get a picture of. 

 Along the lines of "Awesome Traveler" she was not at all hung up on food. We didn't eat at a single typical "kid" place and she loved it. She had street tacos, ramen, hipster burritos, and basically her weight's worth of chocolate, donuts, and waffles.

We saw Guardians of the Galaxy 2 at El Capitan Theater, which was really cool. There was an organist before and curtains and all the awesomeness. 

We got back on Monday completely celebrationed out, but by Wednesday we were ready for birthday donuts (my absolute favorite tradition.) 

Here's to Seven, to my best ride or die. You are so, so cool. You've got this quiet confidence that seems to ground you in a way that is so unique and special. I love the way that you are in the world. You love adventure and mischief as much or more than I do, but you are also so sweet and kind. I'm lucky to be your mom, Baby Girl, and I can't wait for you to grow up so we can be best friends!