She's in the Midwest . . .

but she's still a California girl at heart. I miss her terribly - why, oh why Laura did you leave me with these gross boys??? I'm happy that when she finally got to Omaha last night and called me from her new apartment that I could hear some real joy in her voice. Earlier in the day at the airport and on the phone she wasn't sounding so cheerful, but I think after hearing her voice "she's going to make it after all".

That being said this very sweet 21 year old young lady will always look like this in my eyes.

Take care of her Sean!

Celebrate #21 - Laura Style!

Laura ushered in her 21st birthday in true Laura style, complete with a breakfast of her favorite crispy bacon and scrambled eggs followed by a trip to Fashion Valley for a new dress. Mom and Laura went to pick up Laura's cake after that and of course, Laura had to buy her first alcoholic beverage. She was so happy when the checker asked for her ID! With that accomplished she was able to relax all afternoon to get ready to party the night away. After much deliberation she finally decided on Tio Leo's for dinner. Nothing like some tasty Mexican food to coat your stomach before a night of hearty partying! Dad, of course, couldn't wait to tell the waitress that it was Laura's birthday - the waitress was unfazed and Laura turned several shades of red. Mark was hoping to score a free drink for Laura but obviously, our Mark is not aware of the fact that the restaurant industry is suffering a severe recession right now and not much of anything is free these days.
Following dinner at home we followed the standard Larsen tradition of putting the birthday girl in the spotlight and showering her with presents.
Andrew's card with the "Rock On" soundtrack was a huge hit! So was his choice of the new "Taking Back Sunday" CD for Laura.
We reminded Laura that she has always "played well with others". That's why she received a wine stopper that says "Drinks well with others".
I was a little afraid our present would send the wrong message. I thought in light of the fact that she was moving and that she is now 21 that a new set of luggage would be a good gift. I was afraid she might think I was wanting her to leave. My friend Susie said it best - "Gaye, she's leaving whether she has luggage or not, so you might as well send her away in style!"Just in time too! Her flight is set for this Thursday morning!
Finally, friends arrived (minus, Jesse who had the lamest excuse) and it was time to light the candles and have some cake.
That "1" on the "21" was so stubborn! And in one breath - she manages to get all the candles on both cakes out! Should be a great year, Laura!

I can hardly wait to hear all about the fun that went on last night with her friends. No big surprise - it's 9:27 and the princess is still asleep! Here's to you, Laura - Happy 21st Birthday!

Oh, Andrew! Don't be sad . . .

about another birthday! It's only #26! Andrew decided after birthday #21 there really aren't anymore birthdays to look forward to. I, on other hand, try to impress on him that the alternative to not having birthdays isn't an option either (gets him every time!)

It was a quiet celebration on the actual day after 3 days of partying with friends. Friday night was "party central" at the "Larsen Man-Cave" while the ladies were out of town. Can someone explain to me why the men folk felt the need to decorate my orchid and various other spots in the house with hanging pretzel twists?

You gotta love a boy that wants "anything chocolate" for his birthday cake and is happy with what you come home with from the bakery.
Actually he was most excited about his birthday gift of two tickets to the "3 Mile Pilot" show in San Diego next month. That boy loves his music!
And, just wait - we get to do this all over again on Saturday with the birthday girl. Looks like she is starting to party a little early.

Happy Birthday, Andrew - make it a great year!

OK Can I Just Say . . .

this was the all time best Spicy Chix gathering ever! Although we met as scrappers this was a scrap-free weekend and it couldn't have been better! I just love these gals!
We have all had our share of struggles so far in 2009 and to be able to rest, relax and joke with one another really gave me the kind of boost I need to get through the rest of the year!
Dawn, Karen and I toured the mansions at Newport on Friday. Here's a shot of the inside of the mansion I managed to get before the docent told me no photos inside were allowed.
Leave it to the "slutty debutante" to get this photo. After all, this was the staircase that the Vanderbilt daughters came down and made their debut to society. After leaving The Breakers we toured this beautiful mansion that was the cornerstone for the film "The Great Gatsby".
After our mansion tour, we hooked up with Johnna and partied the night away at the casino at Foxwoods. Johnna really had a good time, so much so that she had trouble finding the sugar right in front of her on the table the next morning.We saw amazing sights on the beach.
Some of us had a "Jesus" momentThe most important lesson we learned is that we only go one way on lane 4.

But most of all, we just had a really terrific time!
I can hardly wait until next year!