Labor Day Weekend

We had an amazing Labor Day weekend! We went to Big Sur and then Los Gatos to celebrate our niece's, Mina, 6th Birthday.

Our Ripplewood cabin

Last year we were invited to join my best friend, Kate, and her family to Big Sur. Every Labor Day weekend her family rents cabins up at the Ripplewood Resort. Her Aunt Catherine and her Uncle Doug got married at Ripplewood and have been going their for 30+ years. We were so happy to share this beautiful tradition with them and take Emerson on his first camping adventure.


I thought cabin camping was a good ease into real (tent) camping for Emerson. He loved it! When it got too cold we would put him in his seat in the cabin while we listened to music and chatted around the campfire. Each cabin was fully equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, and heater. Both nights we had delicious dinners (lasagna, tri tip, caesar salads, and ceviche for an appetizer). 

Amazing dinners!

On Saturday, Catherine, Maggie, Kate, Emilio and I went to Andrew Molera park and did a nice hike while the rest of the crew hung out at the campgrounds. Later we went to the Post Ranch Inn for some cocktails while Catherine and Maggie graciously watched Emerson. Kate and her family are all such wonderful and welcoming people and because of this, Emerson loved his first camping experience with the O'laughlin/Kilkenny family! 

Hike to Andrew Molera Park

Post Ranch Inn

Sunday, on the way back from Big Sur, we went to Los Gatos to celebrate Mina's 6th birthday party. The entire family was there including my cousin Bita, Halie Manijeh, and Amoo Shahi from LA. We had yummy kabobs and Mina had fun hanging with the fam! Her favorite gift was a Tinkerbell costume from Disneyland. She couldn't wait to try it on! I wonder if Emerson is going to be into dressing up in costumes like I am....

Tinkerbell

We tried