It's Always Something

Brooklynn has been so anxious to visit Hollywood during our trip to Southern California. She has been convinced she will run into Miley Cyrus, Brad Pitt + Angelina Jolie, Justin Timberlake, and Zac Efron. I didn't have the heart to tell her the chances of that are slim to none. So, we started our hunt at, where else? The hollywood walk of fame! Brooklynn's first, must-see star belonged to The King of Pop, Michael Jackson. She was stoked we found it without too much hastle. Brooklynn finds the star of her favorite TV family, The Simpsons! Although quite creepy, this Michael Jackson impersonator brought huge smiles to Brookie's face. Both before and after taking this photo, Brooklynn stood staring star struck. Gawd only knows how she would have reacted if it were the real MJ. Our tourist pic with our Hollywood sunglasses + Hollywood sign waaaaaaaaaay off into the distance. At the end of each day, THIS is why I do what I do. Love.

Today, Brooklynn insisted her Auntie Lea get out of the apartment and experience LA. Lea obliged and the 3 of us girls headed to Melrose for some shopping. Upon our arrival, Lea spots a tattoo shop and decides she wants a tattoo piece honoring her late mother who passed away recently (see June 10, 2009 post). I agree to take her. Should an 8-yr old be in a tattoo parlor? Most may think not. I decided it was more than OK for a few reasons: 1) I want to teach Brooklynn to appreciate all types of art and artists. In this case, tattoo artists. Here she can ask them questions and get their insight + stories first-hand. 2) People get tattoos for all sorts of reasons. I couldn't think of a better reason than honoring the sudden passing of one's mother. 3) Brooklynn's dad has 4 tattoos- an angry sunshine, a year of the tiger character, her brother's initials, and one in memory of his BFF who passed away in 1985. Perhaps this helps her understand her father a bit more. Learnin...

Today was New Year's Day and I refused to start 2010 with negativity. After such an emotional New Year's Eve, I was more than happy the next few days of our So Cal trip would be busy with family. First on the agenda- The Tournament of Roses Parade. My brother and faux sis-in-law (aka FSIL) live blocks from the parade. Although all 10 of us had planned on getting up early on New Year's Day to get good seats, only myself, FSIL, G, and Bstarr (with some help) were up at 7am. We packed up the stroller and started walking... a LOT of walking. Apparently, everyone in Pasadena had waken up earlier than us. The streets were CROWDED. Who said attendance was down 30%??? We ended up walking about a mile before we found us a spot. Hungry, hot, and grouchy we waited for the parade. After battling other spectators to keep our view clear (with the help of the Pasadena Police Dept.) the parade finally commenced. At that moment, the long morning instantly paid off. What a view! Sadly, a...