And it Begins...

For me, this week marks the beginning of the holiday busy season. I feel like there is so much to do. I think I feel more pressure this year to make the holiday season meaningful for k, since she is more aware and understands a whole lot more than before. It is somewhat ironic that my effort to instill meaning into the holiday season can turn into something that actually impedes the true message. We'll just have to strive for balance, I guess.

This past Monday we intended to take the ferry to Balboa Island. However, we ended up walking on a bridge over Newport Harbor and found ourselves on the island. Magic!


We tried an "original" frozen banana from Dad's. The applesauce donut was pretty good too. I want to try an apple cider donut at an apple orchard someday.

Yesterday we went to Le Diplomate near UC Irvine. 348 people gave it 4.5 stars on Yelp, so we had high expectations.

We had two 9 inch sandwiches: chicken eggplant and chicken broccoli mushroom. Pictured is only one half of one sandwich. The sandwiches come with a rich garlic suace, which definitely is a standout. At first, D scoffed at the idea of a 9 inch (he's used to Subway footlongs), but it was quite filling. We barely finished them, and that was with k helping us. We also bought a baguette fresh out of the oven for $2 for my sister/BIL. It had a nice soft interior, with a crackly crust. We saw one girl fold one in half and stuff it in her messenger bag so she could ride off with it on her bicycle. Too funny.

It was kind of fun hanging out with all of the UCI students...we tend to forget that we live so close to a UC school. I'm kind of curious to try to the other "student favorites" around the area.


Meanwhile, n is sitting up by himself a lot more, as well as pulling himself up to standing. We have to watch him a lot more, since he is still not too steady. He's growing up too fast!