Yesterday I came home to a small package from my grandpa and grandee in Minnesota. Written on the outside of the padded envelope was “photos.” I figured they were sending pictures from their trip to Colorado in May, so I was surprised and excited to discover it was a stack of childhood photos from my trips back to Minneapolis and their vacations to visit me in Los Angeles. One of the vacations was a trip with my mom, grandpa and grandee to Alaska. I still remember bits and pieces of that vacation even though I only turned 10 on the cruise ship. Alaska was truly special, even at that age.

So without further ado, today’s theme is Childhood Photos, Part I. My mom is scanning a bunch of pictures for me as well since my parents have all of our albums. I will do another installment soon, because the outfits alone are just too good not to share. I mean, check out my hat and top in the first picture below. I remember thinking I was super cool in that outfit.

Enjoy!

Alaskan cruise shop waiters celebrating my 10th birthday

I lived in this Lakers jacket

Disneyland and my favorite sweatshirt of all time

Proof! I did play a sport

I did not go anywhere without at least one baby doll (I had a set of twins)

This last picture was taken one summer when I arrived in Minnesota after flying on my own. This might have even been my first solo trip. My cousin Jamie and I were like peas in a pod for an entire month during my long visits. We’re just two and a half years apart in age. It was fun for me to be the elder when I was back there.

Behind me is her mom, my aunt Carol, and grandpa Earl. Those summers in Minnesota were such an important part of my life. I was able to experience many things that my LA friends back home probably never experienced. Fishing on the lake, strawberry picking, road trips to Canada and Iowa, White Castle and Dairy Queen…I wish I could get a few of those innocent summers back.