In the world of the Kardashian-Barker family, life often feels like a series of high-fashion moments and grand celebrations, but sometimes the most poignant experiences are the ones rooted in shared pop-culture nostalgia. This was recently the case when Kourtney Kardashian, the 46-year-old lifestyle mogul and star of "The Kardashians," took her thirteen-year-old daughter, Penelope Disick, on a whimsical journey through the fictional town of Stars Hollow. The pair spent a day exploring the iconic "Gilmore Girls" set, located on the historic Warner Bros. Studios backlot in Burbank, California, creating a scene that felt as though it were lifted straight from a screenplay about mother-daughter bonds.
For fans of the beloved early-2000s dramedy, the imagery was unmistakable. Kourtney and Penelope immersed themselves in the charm of the set, making essential stops at the show’s most famous landmarks. They were seen grabbing coffee at the legendary Luke’s Diner—the heartbeat of the fictional Connecticut town—and browsing the aisles of Doose’s Market. The outing reached a peak of sentimental charm as they visited Miss Patty’s School of Ballet, a location synonymous with the community spirit of the show.
The visit served as a visual reminder of how quickly time is passing for the famous family. Standing side-by-side, it was impossible to ignore that Penelope has officially entered her "grown-up" era. Despite being only thirteen, she now noticeably towers over her mother. Kourtney, who stands at a petite five feet tall, was wearing heeled booties for the occasion, yet Penelope still held a significant height advantage while opting for casual, flat sneakers. The physical transformation of "P," as she is affectionately known by fans, marks a new chapter for the Disick-Kardashian lineage.
Documenting the day on social media, Kourtney leanest heavily into the "Gilmore Girls" theme. Sharing a series of photos from their Burbank adventure on December 31, she captioned the post with a direct nod to the show’s central protagonists, Lorelai and Rory Gilmore. "The Rory to my Lorelai," she wrote, referencing the fast-talking, coffee-obsessed mother-daughter duo played by Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel. The comparison resonates deeply with Kourtney’s followers, as she has often portrayed herself as a parent who prioritizes a close, friendship-based bond with her children while guiding them through the complexities of life in the spotlight.
This transition into the teenage years has been a recurring theme for the Poosh founder. When Penelope celebrated her milestone 13th birthday this past July, Kourtney took a moment to reflect on the profound impact her daughter has had on her life. In a heartfelt Instagram tribute, she described Penelope as her "little lady" and expressed the immense joy she finds in motherhood. "Being her mommy is one of the greatest things I have ever done," Kourtney shared with her millions of followers. "She inspires me to be a better person every day. I won’t ever have the words for how much joy and love she brings to my life."
The celebration of Penelope’s thirteenth year wasn’t limited to a set visit in California. To mark the official entry into her teens, Kourtney took her daughter on an enviable trip to Italy, a location that holds deep ancestral and personal significance for the family. While in Italy, Kourtney shared on her Instagram Stories that the trip was more than just a vacation; it was a way to connect Penelope to the family’s history. She revealed that her own parents, Kris Jenner and the late Robert Kardashian Sr., had spent their honeymoon in the same region forty-seven years prior. For Kourtney, bringing Penelope to a place so intertwined with her own origins was a "special" and "indescribably grateful" moment.
Penelope is the middle child of Kourtney’s three children with her former partner, Scott Disick. The family dynamic also includes 16-year-old Mason, who has recently stepped back into the public eye after a period of privacy, and 11-year-old Reign, known for his eccentric personality and humorous appearances on the family’s reality show. Since Kourtney’s 2022 marriage to Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, the family has expanded into a large, harmonious blended unit. This includes the couple’s two-year-old son, Rocky Barker, as well as Travis’s children from his previous marriage to Shanna Moakler: 21-year-old Landon, 19-year-old Alabama, and 25-year-old Atiana De La Hoya, whom Travis has raised as his own.
The integration of the Kardashian and Barker families has been a central narrative in recent years, characterized by a shared love for "alternative" aesthetics, rock-and-roll influences, and a fierce devotion to family time. This blended unit is frequently seen supporting one another at various high-profile events. In November 2022, Kourtney and Travis were joined by Landon at the GQ Men of the Year party, showcasing their sleek, coordinated style. Similarly, the family made a significant appearance at the April 2022 premiere of "The Kardashians" on Hulu, where Alabama, Reign, Travis, and Landon all walked the red carpet together.
The bond between the children is particularly evident in their shared adventures. During Blink-182’s 2024 tour in Australia, Penelope and Reign were seen enjoying the summer sun Down Under, documenting their travels with mirror selfies and candid snapshots. These moments of normalcy—or as close to normal as one can get while on a global stadium tour—highlight Kourtney’s commitment to keeping her children close, regardless of her demanding schedule.
Even before Kourtney and Travis’s relationship turned romantic, the two families were neighbors and friends for years, providing a solid foundation for their current life together. A nostalgic throwback photo from 2017 shows a young Mason, Landon, Alabama, and Penelope hanging out long before their parents were "Kravis." This long-standing friendship has allowed the children to navigate the merger of their families with a sense of familiarity and ease.
Travis Barker has also embraced his role in Penelope’s life with enthusiasm. For her ninth birthday in 2021, he gifted her a state-of-the-art, custom pink drum set, encouraging her to follow in his musical footsteps. He has been seen teaching her the basics of the instrument, further solidifying their bond through shared interests. Penelope, in turn, has shown her affection for her stepfather through art; in early 2022, Travis proudly shared a portrait that Penelope had drawn of him, showcasing her budding artistic talents.
The family’s penchant for themed celebrations is perhaps best seen during the holiday seasons. Halloween is a particularly major event for the Kardashian-Barker clan. In 2021 and 2022, they were spotted at various immersive experiences, including Knott’s Scary Farm, Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights, and the "Nights of the Jack" pumpkin experience in Los Angeles. During these outings, the blended family often coordinates costumes—ranging from classic monsters like Frankenstein to more modern, edgy looks—proving that they are just as comfortable in a haunted house as they are on a fashion runway.
As Penelope Disick continues to grow and forge her own identity, her relationship with Kourtney remains the anchor of her public life. Whether they are exploring the fictional streets of Stars Hollow or navigating the real-world pressures of fame, the "Rory and Lorelai" dynamic seems to be a fitting blueprint for their future. Kourtney’s ability to balance the demands of her global brand with the quiet, sentimental moments of motherhood ensures that even as Penelope grows "all grown up," she remains firmly rooted in the love and traditions of her eclectic, modern family. The visit to the "Gilmore Girls" set was more than just a fan moment; it was a celebration of a daughter coming into her own and a mother who is happy to follow wherever she leads.
