LA All Day

All five and a half days, to be exact.

I know I haven't posted anything about life in quite some time; that's because it would mostly just be me whining. But I had a bright spot with with a trip down to one of my favorite places to see some of my favorite people. 

The second I stepped outside LAX was a relief. Actual summer. Let me back up at this point to describe the shit weather this year has been. There was a day that I was at my limit, and it was actually a really nice day. I broke down multiple times and finally ended up calling Sister to see if I could visit, and ended up ordering tickets the next day. That nice day was June 18. The next sun we got was July 5. That's over two weeks of gray, rainy, dreary, cold crap. So just imagine my delight at the heat, humidity, and sunshine! If you can't imagine it, I was pretty fucking delighted. Sister picked me up and we talked all about what was going on in our lives and she told me about a new business project Brother-in-Law (BIL) has and what Little Princess (my niece) has been up to. 
When we got to the house I was so excited to see my Little Princess! I'm pretty sure she's the most beautiful, quirky, just cool kid on the planet. I also promptly grabbed a beer and made a beeline for the pool. Little Princess joined me and blew up a 2 person float for us to share. Sister came out and worked in the yard and we all just caught up, and Little Princess and I planned our trip to Harry Potter Land for the next day. (Yes I'm aware that's not the actual name of it, it's just fun to say.) When we were ready to get out LP promptly flipped the float over for me to fall out. Jerk. 

The next day LP and I headed out around 10:30, so by the time we got to the park it was pretty crowded. Once we could see the entrance to the HP section, she linked arms with me so we could walk in together very closely. 
Oh my word. It was so fantastic and (I think) Hollywood has the smallest one...I can't even imagine how amazing the London version must be. We started with the Forbidden Journey (or whatever) ride and stood in line, in direct sun, for basically forever. My stupid knee was swelling and looking gross, and eventually LP decided she'd had enough (good with me). Off we went to the Three Broomsticks for food and Butterbeer. It also didn't suck to sit down for a bit. Also, the food was really good! We shared the Lemon Roast Chicken, so I recommend it if you go. The Butterbeer took a little getting used to since I'm not huge on butterscotch, but it was pretty refreshing. 

After eating we both felt better and went into the shops, Ollivanders, Gladrags, Wiseacre's, Dervish & Banges, the Owl Post, Zonko's, Honeydukes. I was going to get my (official Pottermore...yeah, I went there) wand but I was a little disappointed that they're just plastic. Maybe I was being a little naive, but I was hoping they'd be made of actual wood. I may have been a little more forgiving if it hadn't been completely packed in the store. We checked out the demonstrations of the singing frogs and students from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons too. 

We decided to try for the Forbidden Journey again and ,again, stood in line for basically forever. TOTALLY WORTH IT. (Warning: there may be spoilers ahead.) Just outside the castle you go through the Greenhouse and there's a case of Mandrakes (LP said they scream at some point). Going through the castle the paintings talk and you end up in the Defense Against the Dark Arts room. In there, Ron, Hermione, and Harry talk to you and tell you to meet them in the Room of Requirement, which is where the actual roller coaster ride starts. I think there were only two or three actual rooms it takes you through and the rest is a screen, but it's AWESOME. Dragons, spiders (I had to close my eyes), flying, and traveling all over the castle. SO cool. 

By the time we got home, I had a super wicked headache. It got worse and worse and started making me feel sick. And then I was sick. Like really really sick. And then I laid down for a little bit and then I was ready to party! Instead, Sister and LP and I watched The Pirates of Penzance...just as good if not better than partying. 

Next day...I mostly spent hanging out with Sis and floating in the pool. That night Sis and BIL had a gig. I always forget how out of place I feel at those things. And also super jealous of what they do. It makes me wonder if I had actually tried in music if I could have gotten anywhere. Eh, probably not. It was also LP's 15th birthday. She hung out and celebrated for a little bit, and I had a lot of fun with her. 

Saturday and Sunday LP had a horse show; she does barrel racing. Man that kid is awesome! She won some stuff. It was also really cool for the extra time I had to hang out with Sis and BIL on the drives in and out. Saturday night I also had the night with LP. It was a lovely time of dinner, froyo, and a movie. She's so cool. Sunday night I talked LP and Sis into letting me take them to dinner before more hanging out. 

Monday morning LP and I got up early to do some shopping, and then we all had to pack for flights. I did not want to come back...I actually cried a little in Seattle. 

So then it was back to dreary rain and stupid Juneau. Ok fine it wasn't the worst to see Soldier again. But whatever. Moral of the story: Juneau is the worst and LA is always fun. The end.