Wednesday, June 29, 2011
D + L's Reviews Are Back!
Does anyone remember our Xanga page? I pretty much forgot about it, but it lives on as a link on our sidebar. FYI, I am resurrecting it, so check it out when you have the chance.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Beach Bums
In an effort to get our money's worth with our state park pass, we have been visiting different beaches.
A few weeks ago we went to Crystal Cove. The setting really can't be beat, but it is a bit of a trek down to the water, especially with kids.
These are the steps you have to take to get to the beach.
Birds!
Last weekend we went to Huntington Beach, state side. There was June gloom, but it was kind of nice not to have worry so much about the UV rays. (Yes, we still put sunscreen on!) Plus, we got to try out our new Tommy Bahama umbrella from Costco. We couldn't find our old one, but this one seems to be of much better quality. It is also much larger, so our whole family can benefit. We might need to return to Costco for beach chairs, because D busted through our old one during this trip.
Sand cake with shell frosting made by k. Surprisingly, k was able to find three pretty large shells that day.
A few weeks ago we went to Crystal Cove. The setting really can't be beat, but it is a bit of a trek down to the water, especially with kids.
These are the steps you have to take to get to the beach.
Birds!
Last weekend we went to Huntington Beach, state side. There was June gloom, but it was kind of nice not to have worry so much about the UV rays. (Yes, we still put sunscreen on!) Plus, we got to try out our new Tommy Bahama umbrella from Costco. We couldn't find our old one, but this one seems to be of much better quality. It is also much larger, so our whole family can benefit. We might need to return to Costco for beach chairs, because D busted through our old one during this trip.
Sand cake with shell frosting made by k. Surprisingly, k was able to find three pretty large shells that day.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Fish Fest 2011
On Saturday the fam went to our first Fish Fest sponsored by 95.9. It was held at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine. We saw Jamie Grace, Tenth Avenue North, The David Crowder Band and Third Day. We actually went home before the main act, Mercy Me, who wasn't scheduled until 9:30 p.m. (We had already seen Mercy Me at a Harvest Crusade, so we weren't too sad to miss them. Plus, we were able to get out of the parking lot a LOT quicker than had we stayed until the end).
It was my first time sitting in the lawn section. I thought it would be better, so the kids could lie down and spread out more easily. It is a real hike to get there, and the slope for seating is also pretty steep. I would not recommend it for elderly, pregnant, or high-platformed shoes (which we witnessed). Luckily, we found a shady spot, so that was nice.
n fell asleep in my arms by the time Third Day took the stage. Both k and n had fun rockin' out to The David Crowder Band, though.
Regarding food, they only let you bring in one sealed water bottle per person. The food at the venue was expensive, as expected. We bought a chicken kebab plus roll ($10), chicken tenders, fries and drink combo ($13) and a frozen lemonade ($5). That was almost as much as the tickets! If only they let you bring in outside food like their 4th of July concert.
It was my first time sitting in the lawn section. I thought it would be better, so the kids could lie down and spread out more easily. It is a real hike to get there, and the slope for seating is also pretty steep. I would not recommend it for elderly, pregnant, or high-platformed shoes (which we witnessed). Luckily, we found a shady spot, so that was nice.
n fell asleep in my arms by the time Third Day took the stage. Both k and n had fun rockin' out to The David Crowder Band, though.
Regarding food, they only let you bring in one sealed water bottle per person. The food at the venue was expensive, as expected. We bought a chicken kebab plus roll ($10), chicken tenders, fries and drink combo ($13) and a frozen lemonade ($5). That was almost as much as the tickets! If only they let you bring in outside food like their 4th of July concert.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Korean-Japanese Wedding
Last Saturday we had the privilege of attending the wedding of one of my friends that I have known since junior high. My mom and I helped out with the guest book/gifts, so I didn't get any pictures of the ceremony itself. It was a large wedding, which I guess is common for Korean weddings? The groom's father surprised everyone by making some announcements in Korean, Japanese and English at the end! There was quite an impressive spread of Korean food for dinner.
The maid of honor, who was also one of my college roommates, gave a speech with a surprise group dance at the end!
I don't think I've ever seen a wedding cake with such a large knife. More like a sword!
They hired a balloon artist for the kids to keep them entertained, very thoughtful.
All the best to the newlywed couple. We're sad you won't be in OC anymore, but we'll have to visit soon!
The maid of honor, who was also one of my college roommates, gave a speech with a surprise group dance at the end!
I don't think I've ever seen a wedding cake with such a large knife. More like a sword!
They hired a balloon artist for the kids to keep them entertained, very thoughtful.
All the best to the newlywed couple. We're sad you won't be in OC anymore, but we'll have to visit soon!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Redd (& more)
For lunch we went to Redd. I was a bit apprehensive since they don't have a reputation for being very kid-friendly. When D's dad called for reservations, they told him that they don't have high chairs. That was fine, because n doesn't really use high chairs anymore, anyway. However, our waiter could not have been friendlier. He told us that there was no children's menu, but that the kitchen could make a simple pasta, or chicken wings, etc. I asked for a pasta with red sauce for k. When the waiter presented our table with the calamari appetizer we ordered, k exclaimed, "onion rings"! The waiter smiled, and said that the kitchen could do onion rings for her, if she liked. I said, "maybe just a few" but he came back with a full order, which we all ended up sharing. I can see why they wouldn't want to necessarily encourage kids to come to their restaurant, but I found them very accommodating nonetheless.
Redd's fancy rendition of pork buns. Not being a fan of pork belly fat, I had to take some fat off. However, I really like this dish...very flavorful.
D ordered the short ribs. In fact, D made a category of "best short ribs" on his List, in anticipation of our visit.
Loved the modern interior. Clean lines, lots of light.
We walked a bit in Yountville. There were lots of people out and about. Unfortunately, the line for Bouchon Bakery was out the door, so we skipped it. We did come across this public art installation that I thought was cute:
D's brother's family joined us for dinner. We ate at Bistro Don Giovanni, one of D's family's favorites in Napa. Funnily, D noticed that there was a group of four that we had seen earlier at Redd during lunch. I guess they have a similar good taste in food!
Really good pizza.
Silk handkerchiefs--housemade pasta with pesto.
Unfortunately, they only serve their famed hamburger on Fridays and Saturdays at lunch. Maybe next time.
Waiting with the restless kids at the fountain outside.
We went back to D's parents house for dessert.
Tiramisu cake.
Playtime with their cousin.
Reading time with their auntie.
It was a quick trip, but it was nice to see everyone.
Redd's fancy rendition of pork buns. Not being a fan of pork belly fat, I had to take some fat off. However, I really like this dish...very flavorful.
D ordered the short ribs. In fact, D made a category of "best short ribs" on his List, in anticipation of our visit.
Loved the modern interior. Clean lines, lots of light.
We walked a bit in Yountville. There were lots of people out and about. Unfortunately, the line for Bouchon Bakery was out the door, so we skipped it. We did come across this public art installation that I thought was cute:
D's brother's family joined us for dinner. We ate at Bistro Don Giovanni, one of D's family's favorites in Napa. Funnily, D noticed that there was a group of four that we had seen earlier at Redd during lunch. I guess they have a similar good taste in food!
Really good pizza.
Silk handkerchiefs--housemade pasta with pesto.
Unfortunately, they only serve their famed hamburger on Fridays and Saturdays at lunch. Maybe next time.
Waiting with the restless kids at the fountain outside.
We went back to D's parents house for dessert.
Tiramisu cake.
Playtime with their cousin.
Reading time with their auntie.
It was a quick trip, but it was nice to see everyone.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
A Morning in Napa
After the wedding, it took us two hours (with traffic) to drive to Napa to visit D's parents house. In the morning, we went to Oxbow Market for breakfast. More specifically, we went to The Model Bakery. D remembered that we had seen this place featured on The Best Thing I Ever Ate, where Michael Chiarello recommended their english muffins. We tried one, and I can definitely say it was the best english muffin I have ever had. (Ask for it toasted, along with jam and butter).
(It was so good, we almost finished it before I could take a picture!)
Also, the prices were a little more reasonable than Bouchon Bakery, making it a solid breakfast choice. We also checked out the smallish farmer's market which is held on Saturday mornings.
Afterward, D's parents babysat the kids while D and I did a mini-hike at Bothe-Napa state park. I don't think we mentioned this on our blog yet, but we bought a CA state park annual pass. D is determined to get his money's worth, so we figured we should check it out.
We walked until we came upon this cemetary, and then turned back.
There was a small group of houses for the groundskeepers. This was one of the more "lived in" homes.
On the way back we decided to stop at another CA state park site, the Grist Mill.
Can you see the mill? We weren't sure if our pass was good for the mill itself, so we just walked around.
It was nice to have a little time to ourselves, so that was our "date night" of the month.
When we came back, we met up with the kids/grandparents at the park.
k and n really liked the climbing wall.
n surprised us by climbing all the way up by himself (with D close behind, just in case).
The big kid had fun too.
(It was so good, we almost finished it before I could take a picture!)
Also, the prices were a little more reasonable than Bouchon Bakery, making it a solid breakfast choice. We also checked out the smallish farmer's market which is held on Saturday mornings.
Afterward, D's parents babysat the kids while D and I did a mini-hike at Bothe-Napa state park. I don't think we mentioned this on our blog yet, but we bought a CA state park annual pass. D is determined to get his money's worth, so we figured we should check it out.
We walked until we came upon this cemetary, and then turned back.
There was a small group of houses for the groundskeepers. This was one of the more "lived in" homes.
On the way back we decided to stop at another CA state park site, the Grist Mill.
Can you see the mill? We weren't sure if our pass was good for the mill itself, so we just walked around.
It was nice to have a little time to ourselves, so that was our "date night" of the month.
When we came back, we met up with the kids/grandparents at the park.
k and n really liked the climbing wall.
n surprised us by climbing all the way up by himself (with D close behind, just in case).
The big kid had fun too.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Wedding #1
The past two weekends we have attended weddings. I am so glad these two weddings were not on the same day, because I would have been so sad to miss either one. The first wedding, last week, was the primary reason for our trip to Nor Cal. We stayed at the hotel where the wedding/reception were at, so it was very convenient.
D checking out the check-in table
Nice atrium setting
Getting restless
Cute flower girl--bride's niece
father of the bride and beautiful bride
I thought our wedding ceremony was short, but I think this one was even shorter. Short and sweet, as they say!
k was very excited about the gift bags for the kids. So thoughtful.
n was excited too.
We dined on Italian food catered from Il Fornaio while the kids feasted on their special kids' meals.
n took a nap while k ate her gelato. (n had his when he woke up).
Pretty cupcake tower.
n wanted in on that action too.
We are so happy for Janelle & Dave! God's richest blessings to the both of them!
D checking out the check-in table
Nice atrium setting
Getting restless
Cute flower girl--bride's niece
father of the bride and beautiful bride
I thought our wedding ceremony was short, but I think this one was even shorter. Short and sweet, as they say!
k was very excited about the gift bags for the kids. So thoughtful.
n was excited too.
We dined on Italian food catered from Il Fornaio while the kids feasted on their special kids' meals.
n took a nap while k ate her gelato. (n had his when he woke up).
Pretty cupcake tower.
n wanted in on that action too.
We are so happy for Janelle & Dave! God's richest blessings to the both of them!
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