Life's a Beach Part 4: Chloe's Birthday and Game Day

I lost track of what day we were up to in California, and I am sure I will lose track again, but the next set of pictures on my camera are from Chloe's birthday, which means that we are up to December 28th, when my baby girl turned 6!

Chloe wanted to go to the American Girl store in Los Angeles, and thank you to the two carloads who uncomplainingly went with us, because it turned out to be a pretty bad idea. The traffic was bonkers and it took us forever to get there. American Girl is located at The Grove which is a super cool outdoor mall, with a trolley running through it and an outdoor Farmer's Market/Food Court and a billion places to shop and eat, but everyone in LA county was there so we had to hold hands and cut a path through the crowd. I am surprised we didn't lose anyone or get hit by the trolley.

We had already given Chloe a birthday gift in WI, but I felt bad that she did not have anything to open from us on her actual birthday. I think I feel guilt for having her at Christmas time, as if it were something I had any control over, and I over compensate so I bought her Caroline pajamas for her and her doll.

 
We didn't bring Caroline to CA, but as soon as we got home Chloe got herself and her doll dressed up and requested a picture. 



 
After we left The Grove, we battled LA traffic again to eat at Phillipe's. Phillipe's is famous, seriously, you have probably seen it on TV. No one in my family believes this because it is a family favorite, but I had never been there. They were sure I would recognize it when we got there but when I walked in and saw 45 minute lines for a sandwich I was even more sure than before; I had never been there. They make french dip sandwiches, where they dip the bread rather than having you dip the sandwich yourself. I love french dips and after years of hearing people talk about this place I was SO ready. It was good, but I actually don't think it was the best french dip I have ever had. My sister Valerie agreed that the Bicycle Club has the best french dip, or at least it did when we were kids. Haven't been there in years. Glenn was appalled that I had never been there and even more frustrated to learn that I had never had the taquitos on Olvera Street, so even though we were stuffed, we walked over there to give them a whirl. Again, good, but I will always love El Taco's taquitos best.

I didn't take my camera out at lunch but I did snap this shot on my phone so I could send it to Valerie. When Chloe saw the attention Audrey got for being silly, she took a chunk of a napkin and wadded it up and stuffed it up her nose beyond where it could be retrieved. 
 
In the evening we had cupcakes and presents. This poor kid has still never had a real birthday party because every year we are traveling or have family in town on her big day, but I guess that the upside is that she has always had family around to celebrate with her.



 
Kristen got her a bunch of toys and candy from a old time nostalgic  candy store.

 
A mani-pedi kit from Grandpa Bill
 
The dress from Frozen and some Legos from Kelly

 
Kelly also got matching BFF charms for herself and Chloe. 
 
A doll scooter from my mom and Glenn





 
The kids loved the plastic bubbles from Kristen. I always wanted these when I was a kid, but my mom always said they were toxic. Funny that she was fine with our kids using them. Makes me wonder if when she said they were toxic, what she really meant was messy?

 
I introduced my kids to Cactus Cooler while we were in town. We loved that when we were kids and I have never seen it in WI. They were big fans. 


 
I had to take a picture of Steven's weird basketball outfit. 
 
But then again, maybe I didn't have any room to call other people's outfits weird that day. This was the day we played the Bears and no one in my family believed I would wear these all day. I did, and it was one of the best games I have ever watched. 



 
And once I again, I feel like that is enough pictures for one post.