Happy Surprise Birthday to me! - 2025/06/26

I've taken a break from blogging over the summer, but we're going to jump ahead a little bit in the summer to this story. 

We'd finished the Pasadena Chalk Festival, hung out at Six Flags Magic Mountain, and had just arrived back in Manhattan Beach at the hotel for the night. 

The next morning, Theresa said she got a text from the front desk that we'd need to move rooms.

Theresa - Let's go check out the room before we have to move all our stuff. 

Well that's odd, but okay. 

I walked into the room and saw decorations. This is weird. Who is this for? 

And then my brother popped out of the room! And my other brother! And both their wives! And Avery! And my parents! This surprise birthday is for me? It's still a month before my actual birthday! 

Yes, I was completely surprised and I didn't expect it at all. 

(Sorry the video cut off early. Technical difficulties)

Yep, the night before, Megan, Avery, Patrick, and my Mom and Dad flew in from Colorado.

I actually remembered seeing their van in the parking lot as me and the kids got back from volleyball that night. I parked in the hotel parking lot, then I noticed a van pull in to the lot and completely stop. I didn't think too much of it, but inside that van were Mom, Dad, Patrick, Megan, and Avery! They said they all ducked down and hoped I couldn't see them. I didn't! 

Then, the next morning, Jon and Jess caught a flight from Washington to be in Los Angeles for the surprise! 

Pretty clouds Jess! 

Megan brought all the decorations with them from Colorado and got the hotel room looking fancy. Plus I get a sash and metal crown! 

Still can't believe Theresa organized this for everyone to be here! 

She'd been planning to do something like this for my 40th birthday, but that happened during Covid, so she's had to delay it. This year was the best opportunity! 

She's got things planned for us to do together for all 3 days that everyone is here together. Dad and Mom will be doing thing with Avery, Ian, and Alli, while all the siblings gallivant around Los Angeles!  

Everyone did a good job keeping the surprise. 

All the kids knew about it, and did a good job not spoiling the surprise. 

So, with the parents watching the kids, we all hopped into the rental van to go do something together. 

Where are we headed? 

One of my favorite hangout spots when we lived here before. Hermosa Beach! It's so beautiful! 

Megan is definitely in her happy place. 

Walking to the end of the Hermosa Pier. 

And grabbing lunch together at Hennessey's, with a great view of the water. 

There was a big crowd on the pier. 

Looks like the El Pollo Loco food truck is giving away from quesadillas. 

And Dalton Knecht of the Lakers is here to take pictures and sign autographs for fans. 

Fun! 

There was even a performer doing amazing balancing and flexibility moves. 

After lunch, we decided to walk on the Strand to help our food settle. 

Patrick and Megan saw a fur baby similar to their old dog and were happy to get to pet her. 

Gotta pose for the Strand Cam! 

Such nice houses right along the beach. 

And I loved finding a little library shaped like a lifeguard tower. 

Back at the room, we all spend some time relaxing and getting in a nap. Jess and Jon were awake at 3:30am to get down here. 

Alli practicing her massage skills on Avery. 

Time to eat again? 

Let's go to one of our favorite Mexican Restaurants. El Amigo! 

They have the best carnitas tacos. 

Tonight, Theresa has organized a trip to the Comedy and Magic Club in Hermosa Beach for all of us! 

We're seeing Magicians Nick Paul and Taylor Hughes. 

A table for 6! 

They're celebrating 47 years here in Hermosa! 

It's famous for having Jay Leno appear every week. 

We all had a lot of fun at the show. Lots of laughs and some fun magic. 

Good job Theresa for organizing all this! But we're not done yet! This is just day 1! Day 2 has even more, and Day 3 will be another amazing surprise! I can't wait! 

After the show, we walked back out to the end of the pier, while Megan tried to make friends with a seagull.