Nonnie, Poppie and the Aunties slowly headed home over the next few days but that didn't stop us from still enjoying their time.  As anyone who's ever put together children's toys know, they truly are a test of patience.  Nonnie and Poppie took that on head first in putting together a castle Auntie Amy got her for her birthday.

Auntie Amy left first and came along with me to work on the way to the airport.  I had an appointment on the Sony lot and along the walk to it we passed the Breaking Bad RV, Ricky Bobby's Wonderbread car, and non other than the Ghostbusters car all while walking by Cameron Crowe.  I would say a pretty good way for her to spend her last hour or so in LA. 

Auntie Jen Jen stayed for the remainder of the week and had all sorts of fun.  They baked.

They made a killer sand castle full with a moat, boat launch, and swim up bar.

And then the monsters swooped in and destroyed it.

Then clean up time.

Ashlyn's real birthday was on Friday and she requested a zebra pirate cake with lot's of sprinkles that she got to put on so we obliged.

The final product.  we think the kids probably put about a pound of sprinkles on top of it.

The video is a bit long but worth it to see the look on Ashlyn's face when she opens the last present.  If you don't see the video below, click on the following link  Ashlyn's 3rd Birthday

We stopped by the Santa Monica beach on the way to drop Auntie Jen Jen off at the airport.  While running through the water we spotted the pier and before long we were deep into the rides and childhood excitement. 

If you don't see the video below, click on the following link.  Santa Monica Pier with Auntie Jen Jen

The last ride of the day was the longest ferris wheel ride ever but the past couple of weeks raced by as fast as a roller coaster.