03.13.06 8:30 am

in california this week; first getaway vacation in almost a year. much catching up to be done.

saturday was max's first birthday party. there was wind and hail and seattle sky in long beach. i hung back in my sister's crowded living room, people watching all the southern cali's chillin in their winter coats in march. four of the guests were my high school gang and one yummycute baby, hsieh, born this october. pics of the gang ensued and plans were made to do dinner another night this week. we never age, and yet we are always reminded of how old we've gotten when we get together. our 20th high school reunion is this summer. jesus.

zoe is three and even though it's been a year since i've seen her, she jumped up and down and screamed to everyone "auntie lauren is here!!!" boom. straight to the heart. later in the bedroom, max and zoe and i cuddlewatching 'the backyardigans' (crack for kids)... "auntie lauren, did you really get on a jetplane and go up into the air and fly here?... auntie lauren? um... i like your hair."

last night we all piled into the kid-mobile and spent an evening with soulcousin janet, her family and their two horses. almost a full moon twilight while i walked max around colored glass windchimes, hummingbird buzz, the koi pond bridge. much wine was poured; especially when our mothers started sharing their version of our family 'stories.' unfortunately, i think i over-poured janet's glass, and she ended the evening hugging the toilet. another kodak moment not lost on this family.

today is shopping with the sister. i might even manage to get the mother a couple christmas gifts, master procrastinator that i am.

in the meantime, it's all about the unwind and the sleep-in.
pajamarama-a-go-go.

"hey, auntie lauren. um... i like your arms."