{"id":940,"date":"2011-05-31T22:33:57","date_gmt":"2011-06-01T05:33:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/lisankevin.com\/?p=940"},"modified":"2011-05-31T22:33:57","modified_gmt":"2011-06-01T05:33:57","slug":"weekend-of-parties-in-long-beach","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/lisankevin.com\/?p=940","title":{"rendered":"Weekend of parties in Long Beach!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Wednesday, May 25<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Kevin and I got on the road on Wednesday evening with the Lola in tow. \u00a0The drive down was pretty uneventful (the best kind of trip down the 5 highway, I’d say!) and we got in at midnight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Pretty cows out to graze!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Lola was quite intrigued by the cows<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Our pretty little girl stretching out her legs<\/em><\/p>\n

Thursday, May 26th<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

We were fortunate enough to stay at Kevin’s parent’s house for the trip and were treated to a yummy breakfast of eggs and toast. \u00a0We just hung out most of the day, running some errands and soaking in the sun (oh, the sun!) \u00a0As Dorothy was watering the garden, she quickly learned how much Lola LOVES the garden hose…<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Watering her grandpup! Haha<\/em><\/p>\n

That evening we met up for dinner at Lucille’s BBQ (our go-to place when we’re in town!) with none other but Brianne, Brian and Brianne’s sister Laura.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Oh how I’ve missed you!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Cutie pie<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Kevin and Brian, stuffed silly<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Kevin and Lola, posing for a photo at home<\/em><\/p>\n

Friday, May 27th<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

For the few weeks leading up to our trip down south I was working with Kevin’s mom and sister Judith to plan a surprise graduation party for Kevin on Friday night. \u00a0We had a guest list of around 40 people and were anxious to get the party started! \u00a0But first, a lot of shopping and preparations to make sure that Kevin didn’t find out until the last possible minute (and since we were staying with his parents it proved to be a little difficult!)<\/p>\n

The plan that afternoon was to have his brother Thomas take him out for a few hours while Dorothy, George, Judith and I prepared the food, cleaned the house, and got the backyard all ready to go. \u00a0Unfortunately, Thomas had to go to work at 6pm (the same time the party started) so he had to drop Kevin off at 5:30, so the surprise was a little premature. \u00a0Nevertheless, Kevin was extremely surprised and had not idea what we had up our sleeves!<\/p>\n

The guests started arriving…<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Dan, Judith and Kevin<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Jessie and her niece Lola (with Valerie, Vanessa and Rose in the background!)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Dan, Chris, Kevin, Brian, Dominic and Jayme<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Same as above plus Dorothy, Loren, Shani, Andrea and Ron<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Jess and Brianne<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Mmm…veggie skewers! Oh yeah, and burgers & hot dogs for the carnivores<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Christian (my mom’s boyfriend Steve’s grandson)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Lola and her new best “friend” Christian (he quickly wore her out [which is not an easy thing to do!] and so she got a little annoyed towards the end of the party since he was still full of energy and wanted to play!)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Me and Brianne<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Kev and Jessie<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Jess and Matt<\/em><\/p>\n

After chowing down we brought out the cakes and said a little something about the man of the hour–for those of you that don’t know, Kevin just completed a two year Aviation Mechanics program at the College of Alameda. \u00a0It was a full-time program in which Kevin went to school from 4:30-10:30 every night for two years. \u00a0He ended up at the top of his class (no surprise here!) and just last week, at the recommendation of his instructor, was offered a job at Rolls Royce working on the V-22 Osprey engine! \u00a0It was SO great being able to celebrate Kevin and all of his accomplishments with the people that love him and it was even more wonderful that he was able to announce his new job just a week out of school. \u00a0We’re all so proud of you, Kev!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Applauding the guest of honor<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The ADORABLE airplane cake the Dorothy baked and Shani decorated<\/em><\/p>\n

It also happened to be Dan’s birthday so we sang a little song for him and gave him a cupcake to celebrate<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Christian said he wanted the candle (not the cupcake, surprisingly) and said he was going to save it to put it on *his* birthday cake<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

A Cookie Monster cupcake will do that to you<\/em><\/p>\n

I think everyone who attended really enjoyed celebrating Kevin and his accomplishments, thank you to everyone who was able to make it!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Saturday, May 28th<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The main reason we made the trip to Long Beach this weekend was to celebrate with my good friends Kim and Frank on the day they got hitched!!<\/p>\n

That morning we met up with my mom, Jessie, the Julians and Matt’s girlfriend Alexis at what other place but The Potholder<\/a>?!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The whole gang<\/em><\/p>\n

The wedding was scheduled to start at 4:30pm at the Art Theater<\/a> in Long Beach–such a cool wedding venue!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The marquee said “A Love Story: Kimberly and Frank”…so cute!!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Jess, Steve, me, Kevin and my Auntie Tina in front of the theater<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Me and Jess all dolled up<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Me and Kev on the red carpet<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Inside the theater they were showing silent films<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Steve chowing on some popcorn (they had bags of it in the lobby for people to eat!)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Me and my mama<\/em><\/p>\n

The ceremony was short and sweet, officiated by Kim’s dad Guy (who actually married Kevin and I as well!)<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Kim and her mama Terry walking down the aisle. \u00a0What a beautiful bride!<\/em><\/p>\n

The reception was behind the theater under a big tent…<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Beautiful flower arrangement centerpieces<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Lots and lots of wine for the masses!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Me and my party dress<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Guy greeting my Auntie Tina and Jessie<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Kim coming by to say hi<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Hugs all around!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Matt and Alexis with the bride<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Portrait of the bride…<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

…and the flower girl Bella<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Me, mom, Tina, Jess and Kim (LOVE this photo!)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Me and Shan<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Kim and Frank cracking up at Stacey (maid-of-honor’s) hilarious toast<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The shoes…so perfect!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

First dance<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

And Bella decided it was her time to show off her firefighter pole slide!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Susuico family dance (Stacey, Jay, Bella and Tasi)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Mom and Frank dancing<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Kim and Steve dancing<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Dancin’ shoes (mom and Jess)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Mom and Steve<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Diane and Dave<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Jess and Terry<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Pretty sister!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Me and Kev (our obligatory shot)<\/em><\/p>\n

They had an awesome candy bar for people to fill up little popcorn bags with treats…<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The kiddos could be found swarming the table most of the evening<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

I swear she posed that way on her own! Haha<\/em><\/p>\n

Their cake was AMAZING–made by one of her girlfriends Diana! \u00a0And it tasted better than it looks, no joke.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The adorable orange bride and groom to go with the citrus theme.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The ol’ hula gang! \u00a0Sayuri, Cat, Kim, mom and me<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Finally warm enough weather to wear something that shows off my tattoo<\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n

The evening was perfect and we felt so incredibly fortunate to be able to celebrate with our good friends Kim and Frank as they start a new life together!!<\/p>\n

Sunday, May 29th<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

After a late night we met up with Brianne and Brian at The Coffee Cup Cafe<\/a> for some good eats.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Me and Bri<\/em><\/p>\n

We hung out with them for a few hours trying to distract Brian as Brianne went out to prepare for his very own surprise party, this time to celebrate his birthday! \u00a0That afternoon we had to pretend we were saying bye for good and that we wouldn’t be seeing him again until our next trip down, but little did he know that we’d be turning right back around to their apartment a few short hours later to celebrate with him and friends\/family.<\/p>\n

A video of the surprise!<\/p>\n

<\/embed><\/object><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Birthday banner made by Brianne<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Cake!<\/em><\/p>\n

We got the chance to see our friend Lara and meet her brand-new baby Audrey! \u00a0Audrey was a total sweetheart and it was great being able to meet her after only seeing photos all this time.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Lara, Brianne and Audrey<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Ted and Lara<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Me and the flying baby!<\/em><\/p>\n

Monday, May 30th<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

We were treated to a home-cooked breakfast of waffles covered in strawberries and a breakfast veggie stir fry (or bacon if your name is Kevin). \u00a0It was nice being able to spend a couple of hours at home with Dorothy and George before making our way back home to SF.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Unfortunately the ride home was nowhere near as smooth as the ride down. \u00a09 1\/2 hours later we finally parked in front of our house. \u00a0Let that be a warning to anyone who thinks they can avoid the awful traffic on the 5 on a holiday! \u00a0\ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n

We had SUCH an awesome trip, thanks to everyone who made an effort to see us and we can’t wait to go back!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Wednesday, May 25 Kevin and I got on the road on Wednesday evening with the Lola in tow. \u00a0The drive down was pretty uneventful (the best kind of trip down the 5 highway, I’d say!) and we got in at midnight. Pretty cows out to graze! Lola was quite intrigued by the cows Our pretty […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[34,42,3,5,17,37,25,6,11,8,23,12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-940","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-brianne-brian","category-dorothy-george","category-family","category-foodie","category-jessie","category-judith","category-linda","category-lola","category-long-beach","category-not-san-francisco","category-running","category-vacation"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/lisankevin.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/940","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/lisankevin.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/lisankevin.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/lisankevin.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/lisankevin.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=940"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"http:\/\/lisankevin.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/940\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1038,"href":"http:\/\/lisankevin.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/940\/revisions\/1038"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/lisankevin.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=940"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/lisankevin.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=940"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/lisankevin.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=940"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}