Ladybug Birthday Fun - Part 1

As you well know, the Ladybug's 4th birthday was last Friday, March 19. I find it so hard to believe that she is already 4 years old, my how time flies by. She does have a fun party planned with her friends this coming weekend and I will definitely write about the party fun later. But, as a family we did go out to celebrate her birthday.

There is a wonderful (fairly) new restaurant in town called Coco Palace. They specialize in Thai, Japanese, and Chinese Cuisine. Although we have many Chinese restaurants in town, there are no other Thai restaurants, so we were excited to discover this restaurant. Last summer we finally made our way to the restaurant and were so happy we did. The food was magnificent! However, the menu is a bit pricey, so it is not a place that we want to frequent, just for the sake of our pocketbooks.

Immediately after visiting the Coco Palace, the Ladybug started asking if we could return. She absolutely loved it! I like to think that she just has expensive taste, but truth be told, the food really was that good. Each time we were out on the town, she would ask to go, which we would reply, "Not today honey, maybe some other time." After diverting her request for a few months, Daddy finally suggested that we go there for a special occasion... her birthday. That answer was exactly what she needed to hear and also gave us a special occasion that we could enjoy celebrating at the restaurant.

Since her birthday fell on a workday, Daddy and I had to work while she went to pre-school. Apparently, she was so excited about her special birthday dinner that she shared her excitement with her classmates and teachers ALL day. Needless to say, by the time I picked her up from school, she was ready to go home and get ready for her special evening.

The Ladybug chose to wear a beautiful purple Chinese dress, something we brought home for her from China back in 2006. The dress is gorgeous and looks sensational on her. She decided that she wanted her hair up for the evening, so I obliged... with lots of extra frills or course. She looked so grown up in her outfit, but just perfect for a special evening out.

We enjoyed an amazing meal at the restaurant. Every single bite we took brought oohs and aahs... we thoroughly enjoyed our time. The Ladybug LOVED being the center of attention for the evening. The Chinese waitress thought she was adorable and enjoyed how much she loved the food. As usual, she kept us laughing with her humor and silliness. It was an extremely fun evening and a great way to celebrate her birthday.

After our filling dinner, the Ladybug wanted some ice cream to finish off her special day. We decided to go to the best place in town for such sweet treats... Culver's. For those who have never been to a Culver's, it is not an ice cream place. Rather, it is a place that makes their own super yummy, thick and creamy custard. And, boy is it delicious! The Ladybug ordered her special kiddie sundae, and Daddy and I ordered our favorites as well. In the end, this stop was a great way to end a fabulous birthday celebration and evening out with the family.

As I look back on this day I feel so blessed. Blessed that this little girl is my daughter. Blessed that the Lord brought her to us. Blessed to have such a wonderful family. Blessed to have such an amazing life.

The Ladybug looking nice and fancy and the restaurant.


Getting birthday kisses from Daddy.


Mmmmmmmmmm, egg-drop soup!


Nibbling on a Chinese noodle.


The Ladybug's pretty, frilly hair.


Time for frozen custard!


Gotta love dessert, drips and all!


Yes... I feel blessed.

~~Aloha!