Rainforest Cafe

Me and Hubby

Big (okay, "older") Brother and the Birthday Girl

I'm so busy popping in on other blogs and relishing the comments you guys are leaving on my posts that I almost forgot to publish something new. I can definitely see how one could get behind with this blog business!
Yesterday, we did take Alisa to Rainforest Cafe to celebrate her 12th birthday. I cringed inwardly as I thought about the trek across the metroplex and overpriced menu items, but it was all she asked for--no long list of wants/gifts, no cake, no fanfare. I figured letting her choose where she wanted to go was the least I could do, so I sucked it up and we headed out.
For those of you who might not have been to the Rainforest Cafe be forewarned that it is an extremely fun place to visit unless you are 2 years old and afraid of life-like mechanical animals that come to life every 15 minutes in a dimly lit atmosphere. The family seated at the table next to ours chose to pack it up and leave shortly after their drinks were served rather than torture their terrorized little daughter further. I wanted to lean over and tell them that "this, too, shall pass...give her a couple more years and read some jungle-related books with cool, lifelike pictures in the meantime" but I didn't. They didn't ask for my advice. I personally liked the elephants trumpeting and waving their large ears back and forth, but that picture came out a little too dark.

On the way home I stopped by my sister's home and swapped Alisa for my nephew. My sister took Alisa to the movies to see Grown Ups; I took my nephew home to ride go-karts with my son. Alisa ordered a huge brownie sundae at the Studio Movie Grill with her Aunt Shannon. Here's hoping she enjoyed her day. It seems like not so long ago (certainly not 12 years ago) that I was pregnant and anxiously awaiting her arrival.

While I'm on the subject of celebrations and enjoying one's day, I'm weighing my options for celebrating my graduation/passing the NCLEX. I'm thinking it may involve authentic Mexican Food as in a run for the border. Alas, that will have to wait just a little while until I'm gainfully employed and have the funds available. Meanwhile, I'll use what's left of my graduation money and finally go and get that massage I've been dreaming of and treat myself to a hunk of red velvet cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory. Yes, that sounds like a good plan to me! Until next time...