Well, the WeeMonkeyGurl’s birthday weekend was a blast. Friday night, we headed down Anaslime way. . . we had the hotel room for three (3!!!) nights. Managing to hit all Friday nite rush hour traffic, we got there in time to check in, and for me to make my order at Joe’s Crab Shack (none of us got crabs. . . that we know of!) before returning to the room to watch the rebroadcast of Gray’s Anatomy. See how I love my WeHo SnB group?!?! I give up watching the show on its original nite just so’s I can hang out with y’all.WMG (a/k/a, the UniBomber) with Cousin Alex and Uncle Mike

So. Saturday, WMG and Jman went to The Dland Parks with Cousin Alex and Uncle Mike. WMG and Cousin Alex(is that not the cutest picture EVER?!)


I saved money by sleeping in (in complete luxury!) until noon, then shopping at Target, conveniently located across the street from the hotel. I was in HEAVEN, people. I originally only intended to get tape (for present wrapping), but the weather had turned unexpectedly warm, and I had only packed jeans. I was desperately trying to find something less cumbersome that would look okay with my chaussure de jour, my platform combat boots. Clearly, shorts were out. And skirts were in SHORT supply! It appears as if the buyers at Target don’t differentiate between So Cal and Idaho when it comes to seasonal dressing. However, I managed to find some little thing that created quite the look. After purchasing that, some snackies, bottled water, extra wrapping paper, and a few little extra birdday goodies, I *still* managed to spend less than the cost of a one-day parkhopper ticket. Hmmmm….

Back to the hotel. Where I set up the “goodie bags” for the girlies. And decided why waste the lovely weather? I test ran my new skirt poolside, with some knitting to keep me occupied.

Sittin' and knittin'


It was lovely. Once the sun went down, I spent TWO HOURS wrapping presents. Mostly for WMG, but when at the FELT CLUB last weekend, I managed to find something perfect for her uncle/godfather/person-formerly-known-as-my-best-friend.

When she returned from The Parks, WMG *begged* to open “just one present”. After much pleading, I relented. She chose one, then changed her mind, but I said no, she had to open her first pick. Hee-hee. Out of ALL THE FANTASTIC PRESENTS, she picked. . . A twelve-pack of SOCKS. Not even colorful, pretty socks, but boring, white, wear-em-every-day-to-school socks. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. I am evil. I think I may have laughed a little too hard, because she ran to the bathroom crying. Hey. It was FUNNY.

And yes, once she pulled herself together, I let her open another package, and was very happy to receive the princess pjs.

AT THE CRACK OF DAWN on Sunday (a/k/a, 8 am!) we woke to prepare for our day at OG Dland. Not that I have anything against Cali Venture, but the best ride there is the roller coaster, and both Jman and WMG’s birthday-mate, Douggles, are too chicken to ride it. The wee gurlies are too young. And Douggle’s former girlfriend/new bride, the Dawnster, manages to get me into all kinds of trouble. So it’s traditional theme park for me.

Monkey-Made Momma Crown


WMG and her Unca Duggles



Man, what a racket. I think I went on a total of 5 rides. For $60. Such a bargain.

Shaka, brah


It was good to see that The Diz has finally figured out how to pander to the less-than-wholesome crowd. With the success of POC and POC2, there is a whole host of “pirate princess” items. For the most part, I was able resist the lure, but I gave in on the military-style black hat for practical reasons (I *need* it when I’m driving with the top down!!) Even though it was 2.5 times more than what I would pay at Target for the same thing, this came with a black, sparkly “Pirate Princess” patch and what look like earrings on the brim (which closely match my own multiple earrings). Combined with my camo-mini, platform combat boots, and black skully tank, I was feeling very Janet Jackson/Rhythm Nation. A few mandatory skull baubles (earrings), bangles (bracelet) and beads (necklace) later, I was DONE.

Just da Gurls


WMG got in on the pirate act, too. She would not relent until she got the PIRATE PRINCESS mouse ears. Apparently, all the goods we got are available only on the campus (including, I assume, Downtown Diz), because I haven’t been able to find the items on-line.
Since D2 & The Gurls had to work/school the next day, we left the park (relatively) early.

Which was okay by me, because I was a bit Dlanded-out. Besides, we had PRESENTS to open!!!!



Opening pressies!

WMG Booty!!


After another night of blissful, air-conditioned, clean-sheeted sleep, we journeyed homeward. Good times were had by all.







Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz