To Two Of The Greatest People I Know

A letter to my parents

Dear Mom and Dad,

It's understandable that the two of you stopped having kids after I was born. I mean, once the Sistine Chapel was built no said "We should build another one."

I owe a lot to the two of you. First, thanks for keeping me alive all those years that I depended on you to do so. Thank you for providing me with so many luxuries in life. My cup runneth over.

Mom, thanks for teaching me how to cook my first turkey, make a killer pie crust, measure liquids in the correct measuring cup and my dry in the other measuring cups.

Dad, thanks for introducing me to Toto. Some of my greatest memories are of us driving around and listening to Rosanna and Africa. I will forever associate you with their music.

Mom, thanks for teaching me how to handle a hammer and nail. Thanks for not letting me cut off any fingers when you taught me how to saw wood. Thanks for helping me with all my 1/2 completed craft projects (and the 100% ones too).

Dad, thanks for believing in me as a gymnast when I was little. I remember one day you took me in the backyard and helped me with my back handspring.

Mom and Dad, thanks for showing up to all of my cheer leading games, dance recitals and gymnastic meets. I didn't know how important it was to have you in the audience until you were actually there, smiling down at me. Thanks for your encouragement and support.

Most importantly, thanks for showing me what a successful, loving marriage looks like. Your example has taught me so much and I'm grateful for the love and respect that you show each other daily.

There is so much more that I owe to you, so as a thank-you, you can live with me instead of an old folks home. You're welcome.

Your loving (and nearly perfect) daughter
Susie

Susan "It's Gonna Take A Lot To Take Me Away From You" B.

California Adventures

I was home for two weeks and a lot of fun was had by all! I promised more pictures and that is what this post is! A ton of pictures. Follow me on my adventure.

 I took Kaylene to Miguel's for her birthday. It was a beautiful day in Costa Mesa and fun lunch with my bestie!

 California sunsets are the best.

 My dad took me to Starbucks for some quality time.

 Ms. Camille and I went to Ruby's on Huntington Pier.

 Before I left the house, my hair was curled.

 Ah!

 OMG. So gorgeous.

 There was a ton of surfers in the water that evening.

 RUBY'S!

 We watched the sunset while we waited for our table.

 Diana and I went to lunch. Check out her cute bracelet!

 Tammy and I hiked to the HOLLYWOOD sign. This is a great trail and I can't wait to hike it again.!

 Almost to the top.

 The trail takes you to the top of the hill that the sign is on, but you can't actually go TO the sign. It's fenced off.

 Besties since we were 5! Can you believe it?

 Some of the trees roots grow out of the hillside.

 From the trail.

 After my hike, my mom and I went to get pedicures.

 I took my mom to Disneyland for Mother's Day. Here we are in front of Soarin'.

 This place reminded me of Maggie. I laughed at the their sign for hours. It's in the Hollywood section of California Adventure.

 Carsland was GREAT fun! I'm in the front seat on the left.

 My mom is in the back seat on the left.

 Back middle. I love Tower of Terror.

 Tea Party area.

 California Screaming, front. Bad picture.

 This Indian reminded me of Beck!

Susan "The Happiest GIRL On Earth" B.

And Many More

Guess who's birthday is today? Yup, my pretty mom. I did find time in between classes to have some birthday cake (I got the corner piece), with my more than willing friends. We all send out a big birthday shout out from across the pond.

Did you know Cadbury makes cakes? Well, they do. Incredible!
Me, Shahida, Faith and Alice

Needs milk

My mom is the bestest mom ever! When I decided to make the move over here, one of the questions that I had to ask myself was 'Can I live that far from my mom?' She does more for me than I deserve. I love you, mom. Happy Birthday!

Susan "I'm the favorite child" B.