A Home Away From Home: {50th Birthday} + {Retirement Bash}

So I made it to California and have spent the past couple of days battling through jet lag {hello ten hour time difference} and soaking up the sunshine and warm weather! ?I think it's been three years since I last enjoyed a California summer and I must say that they are just as wonderful as I remember. ?

So far the itinerary has included Cheesecake Factory {delicious!}, walking my very favorite dog, and jogging along my old high school cross country route. ?Pure bliss I tell ya. ?Jo'burg has a lot of strong points, but unfortunately outdoor jogging definitely isn't one of them {sorry Jo'burg}. ?Truth be told, the only thing missing from this whole scenario is Jurgen {miss you Jurg!}, but I guess someone has to stay behind and earn the dollar bills. ?Le sigh.

On Saturday my parents hosted a joint 50th birthday party for my Mom and retirement party for my Dad in our backyard. ?I think my Mom officially wins the?party thrower extraordinaire award as she successfully planned the whole thing and organised live music, ?cute table centre pieces, a dessert table, and a make-your-own-burger station. ?I have some big shoes to fill,?let me tell you. ?Her dessert table {complete with a cupcake corner} was definitely pinterest worthy!

It was great getting to see with so many friends and family and my parents really enjoyed the afternoon and were touched by all of those who stopped by to celebrate with them. ?My Mom keeps saying that it felt like her {It's a Wonderful Life} moment!

Thanks so much to all who are reading this and who came! ?Hopefully we'll be seeing you all again sooner rather than later :)

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The rest of the week will be spent meeting up with friends, celebrating another milestone birthday, eating Mexican food, and trying to get in as much shopping as possible {Camarillo outlets, here I come}. ?Then, this weekend we're heading up to the bay area to visit my brother at his university and next Monday my Mom and I are off to New York for a few days before I continue on home to South Africa. ?It will be a busy, but incredible next couple of weeks! ?I'll continue to pop in when I can :)

Oh yes, and Happy Labor Day!

Source: http://jennafinch.blogspot.com/2012/09/50th-birthday-retirement-bash.html

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