Michael's gem

Casey's cousin Michael lives here in Pasadena and we had heard he has an amazing house. So when he hosted a birthday party for his dad (Casey's Uncle Cal), we were excited to check it out. It did not disappoint. These pictures don't do justice).

Michael completely gutted the place but stayed true to it's 50s/60s origins and decorated with a similar vibe, in a very modern way. That chandelier is an original that came with the house:

revamped kitchen:

guest room:

cool mirror:

master bedroom:

If you know Pasadena geography....his house is off Linda Vista, on the West side of the Rose Bowl. Every house on that street is dreamy and well-kept (no wonder it never came up in our home-search criteria!):

The back patio:

the pool:

and, Michael!
Fabulous house. Your style is impressive.

But snooping around wasn't all we did. It was great to catch up with the Cal side of the family. We usually only see them at Thanksgiving time (though they live in Ventura).

The party boy, Uncle Cal:
Lucy playing with her cousin-once-removed...and removed again? who knows. Cute kids:

Linda and Owen:

More cousins. Great shut-eyes:

Parry and Owen:Casey and Michael chatting. Michael made THE MOST AMAZING burgers I've ever had. Truly. Huge diamonds of blue cheese hiding in the middle of each one. I've talked about these burgers to Casey on so many occasions now, that it's almost a joke.

But look at these? Wouldn't you want one too?!

Me and Parry:

Casey and his mom:

Owen, looking like a big boy:
Lauren and Chad:

Owen loving the two little dogs:

I tried to take a picture with him but he wanted nothing to do with me:

I gave up.

at least Lucy was (somewhat) cooperative:

Time for the cake!

Happy Birthday Cal!

It really was as fluffy, marshmallowy, and coconutty as it looks. YUM.

Most of Uncle Cal's immediate family:

Thank you Michael for hosting a great party! Everything was fabuloso. Even the almonds.