By Neena Strichart
Birthday celebrations have always been a rather big deal in my family. When I was a child, Mom and Dad made me feel very special on my day and made sure that I understood the importance of remembering the birthdays of others. I would usually handcraft my own birthday cards for Mommy or Daddy and do my best to plan surprise gifts all by myself, making me feel like a “big girl.”
Although I don’t have any children of my own, I have had the fun of buying presents for various nieces, nephews, younger cousins and neighbor kids, and over the last few years Steve and I have had the pleasure of finding just the right gifts for our grandson Carson.
Besides the pirate-themed items we gave Carson for his last birthday, we had been promising to take the little guy on a trip to Pirates Dinner Adventure in Buena Park. We finally made arrangements last month and took him and his mommy Tracy on Memorial Day. Thank goodness he’s a patient kid!
Feeling guilty at first for neglecting to take him sooner, I’m now glad that we waited for him to be a bit older. I think being closer to 6 years of age was probably better for all concerned because being a little more mature probably gave him more appreciation for all the acrobatics and entertainment involved at the venue. The pirates and other show-folk certainly had no problem keeping his attention, or ours.
We all had a wonderful time. The food was great (gluten-free for me), the show was fabulous, and even though Steve and I had gone to Pirates Dinner Adventure a few years ago for his birthday, we were just as pleased with our experience this time as we were the first time. I understand that the show changes from time to time, keeping it fresh for repeat audiences. I’m sure that having a little boy with us added to the fun.
As my mom would say— “It’s a do over.” We’ll be back!Argggggh! (Check out piratesdinneradventure.com)
Those who don’t have plans this Saturday may want to treat their baseball-loving dads to an early Father’s Day road trip to meet Los Angeles Dodger shortstop Dee Gordon. He will make an appearance from noon to 1:30pm at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, 210. N. Ave. 21, Los Angeles.
According to a press release issued by the Society, Gordon recently became the first player since Kenny Lofton (in 2000) to steal three bases, collect three hits and drive in the winning run in an extra-inning game.
To further sweeten the day, the Society will hold a 50-percent-off sale on men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, as well as sweaters and coats (excludes purple tag items) during regular store hours this Saturday in honor of Father’s Day weekend. Their Long Beach store, 2750 E. Pacific Coast Hwy. will also participate in the Saturday sale.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a nonprofit charitable organization that helps improve the quality of life for children and families throughout the year through various programs. They include: Circle V Ranch Camp for children ages 7-13; Cardinal Manning Center for the homeless; Vincentians (volunteers) who make home visits to help families in need; and three thrift stores to help raised needed funds for the above mentioned programs. More information is available at (323) 224-6273.
Happy birthday, Carson!
Love, Grandpa Steve and Nana
