40-year Chocolate Cake

Tomorrow is a special Anniversary for my parents. 40 years. A banquet with all our family together, friends of theirs from decades ago and new friends. That was the ideal plan, not happening. Thanks to this economy, we are having an intimate family dinner and night with just the "kids". The banquet will have to wait until later this year or the 41st.

For the "night in" celebration, my 2 1/2-year-old niece helped me make a chocolate cake that was worthy of a 40 year celebration.

A few splatters here and there, chocolate all over her face, we got it done and tomorrow we'll hope that it's THE cake that makes these two amazing parents of mine feel celebrated.

A magical place...

Disneyland. Pure magic. The smell of cinnamon and sugar around every corner, the musky feeling of water in the air, twinkling lights at night, music that takes you back to your childhood, cold brisk nights and people smiling. That's what I see, smell, hear.

It's pure magic.

California Adventure, the little sibling of Disneyland smells of fresh orange groves, burnt sugar, sounds of Coney Island (what I'd imagine it would sound like, like the scene from Beaches), tortillas, sprays of water, vineyards and carefree attitude.

It's a place where you can let your hair down and pretend you are a Californian. Oh wait, I am. See, it even has me dreaming.

Seeing this through the eyes of someone so young, that's what makes it magical. It never gets old.