Lucile is 10!

Los Angeles, California: Wow, did we all have a whole buncha fun celebrating Lucy's tenth birthday. Dave and I drove to Los Angeles late-morning Monday, stopping to fetch the birthday cake as we arrived in town. Lisa had been to the flower market and, with Lucy's help, made 8 hot pink centerpieces in disco-ball vases - the party had an 80's theme.

Lucile's party was held at an event space. It had tables and chairs, a bar/serving area, bathrooms, and about a zillion video and arcade games on two floors. Guests could just play all day - no coins or tokens needed. It was very fun for the guests. Lucile invited her family, friends and every kid (14) in her class at school. Parents were invited as well, so there were about 45 guests.

Lisa and Lenny brought drinks, the birthday cake, and two dozen cupcakes. They hired a taco cart to feed everyone, which set-up outside.

After everyone had played games and eaten tacos, it was time to cut the cake:

It was just a wonderful celebration and the kids had so much fun. Since I do not have permission from the families, I didn't post photos of kids faces here, but let me tell you they were a bunch of well-behaved, happy, and attractive children. Probably smart as well. Angela came with Baby Sebastian and her mom is again visiting from Athens, so that was fun. The constant ding ding ding, whirl whirl whirl, whack whack whack twirl twirl twirl noises from the video games was a bit disconcerting, but Lucy has to listen to my Jimmy Buffett music all the time, so turnabout is fair play. Clean-up was easy - the drinks were finished, the tacos cart was gone - all we had to do was bring home a mountain of gifts, the flowers (Lisa is re-using the vases for Leo's Bar Mitzvah) and the little bit of cake remaining. Everyone had so much fun. Really a great venue because it kept the kids occupied, happy, and within sight, so the parents relax.

But if you think this was the end of Lucile's 10th Birthday Celebration, you would be wrong. She asked to go to a Dodgers game! Dave and I were excited as we had never been to Dodger Stadium (what?). Now that Leo and Lucy are old enough to be interested, the kids go several times a season.

We had the kids all day Tuesday while Lisa and Lenny worked. We took them to Din Tai Fung in Glendale for lunch and then to Barnes & Noble in the Americana Mall so Lucy could spend some of her birthday gift cards. Then we returned and prepped for the Big Game. Dodgers v Seattle Mariners, and it was Teo Hernandez bobblehead night! Such a fun game. Teo plays left field, and was in front of us all night. He does a fine job as a fielder, but seems happier tossing fly balls to children in the stands - always with a huge grin on his face. We had seats across the aisles from each other, in sets of three. Boys on one side; girls on the other. We said we would switch back and forth, but we never did.

Early in the game, Shohei Ohtani banged-out a three-baser, sliding into third with so much speed and finesse. It was really exciting to finally see Ohtani in person.

I can't tell you how well-orchestrated everything was over the past two days. Lisa truly is the best event planner that I know. No detail overlooked. Everyone pleased. Lucy was so happy with her party, the baseball game, and her mountain of gifts.

We are now back in La Quinta, trying to keep cool in 110° heat. Even swimming isn't refreshing, and it is really too hot to exercise much... though DT is out on his bike each morning. I am trying to not cook much, but am sampling a few new recipes just to entertain myself. Still struggling with coming-up with something to prepare each evening. The clubhouse has re-opened after their refresh, so Sunday Brunch is one meal I do not have to prepare each week.

One task is off my to-do list - the 2023 photo book has been sent off to the printer. Usually I get the annual book done by April, but we were on the road for several months and the project really needs high-speed internet (my excuse anyway). We did 360 pages of fun stuff this year (our European trip for the World Championships mostly). Now, it is time to start on the 2024 book! Why can't I just have it ready to go within the first week of 2025? Ha! How I do amuse myself. The books remain very popular with the grandchildren. They were poring over the books - filled with photos of themselves - while here last week. Plus, they look kinda cool on the shelf.

Until my next update, I remain, your "how are my grandchildren so old?" correspondent.

---