The Whole Fam-Damily

What an incredible week we've had!  The fun began last Thursday when mom & pop Backus flew into town to kick off our 'bender' of celebrations.  A few major events occurred over the weekend: Massimo's graduation ceremony where he received his official title of "Master", and Val's 60th Birthday! (not to mention brother Peter's official completion of his phD.  We now have a Doctor and a Master in the family!)
Friday we celebrated Val's birthday with an always innovative and entertaining dinner at The Bazaar in Beverly Hills.  (Thanks again to our friends Sara & Anthony for using their connections to ensure us a great experience)
Saturday was a BIG day!  Not only was it the day Mass walked in his cap & gown to receive his hard-earned Masters degree, but it was the 60th anniversary of the day this world was blessed to be introduced to our beloved Valerie!  Mom & dad O'Leyar also flew down for the big events.  The morning was filled with hurried excitement, running around to prepare for the day's events.  Nona even came in from L.A. so she wouldn't miss a thing.
I have to admit, I got a big lump in my throat and a bit teary eyed, seeing Mass & his friends in their cap & gowns.  I've been witness to all of their hard work, and it's such a wonderful thing to see them finish victorious!

Mass & Phil before the ceremony.  (and Mahoney of course)

Immediately after the pomp & circumstance, we hosted a graduation party at our home.  It was a big success- I think it was actually the largest number of people ever in our home at one time- and it was SO great to meet everyone's families!  It's so neat to see the amazing support that helped all of our friends achieve their goals, and to see where they came from as well. 
The celebration continued- with a more intimate family dinner at Mike & Anne's in South Pasadena.  It was perfect! This was our first visit to Mike & Anne's, and I would highly recommend it! Finally, after putting our folks to bed, Mass & I went out to one more party...but admittedly I was tuckered & didn't last long at all.


Sunday started off with our parents participating in a group Pilates session! (and Mass sleeping on the cadillac while they worked out)  It was so much fun (and quite hilarious) to see our parents all giving it their best shot- they were great sports and it was nice to share that part of my world with them.  Our folks are truly one supportive bunch!

After our Pilates session, I took the moms to get mani's & pedi's as our Mother's Day gift, then we met the boys for lunch. After just a few minutes of R&R, it was time for more partying!  We had a fabulous dinner at Osteria Firenze in north Hollywood, to celebrate Val's 60th.  She was surrounded by 19 of her closest friends & family, and showered with gifts.  I was bummed that we didn't get to meet Fabio (from Top Chef), but the food was excellent.

Monday morning we said goodbye to my parents, as they continued in their quest for more sunshine in Phoenix.  Tuesday morning Val & John went back to Seattle, and took our little munchkin (Mahoney) with them.  Our parents have kindly volunteered to watch Mahones while we spend the next few weeks exploring Europe.  It's amazing how attached we've become to our little ball of fur!  But we know she's in good hands, and we couldn't be more appreciative of the help.  She'll spend time at both camp Backus and camp O'Leyar, and I'm sure she'll be treated like a queen and have the time of her life.  She looks to be settling in quite nicely already!

The next few days for us will include work, looking for work, and preparing for our trip.  Stay tuned, as our next post will likely be from a foreign land!