Belated Christmas Eve

Wow, the past week has gone by so fast. I can't believe it is already New Year's Eve and I haven't posted about Christmas. We celebrated Christmas on both the Eve and the Day at my parents' house. On Christmas Eve we were able to spend time with our nephew:



I think n likes not being the youngest for once.


On the other hand, k likes having two boys to boss around.


Skater n. This was actually k's birthday present which we bought over the summer (since her birthday is so close to Christmas, we try to buy her gift for her half birthday). However, n has become quite proficient on it.


Sporting his Christmas present from Hiroshima!


No Christmas would be complete without a piece of my mom's Bouche de Noel (aka "log cake")...yum!

Jingle Bell Rock

Last year, k refused to even go up on stage for our church Christmas program. For Easter, she went up on stage, but didn't do any of the hand motions or sing. This year, at pre-school and church, she did the hand motions. Maybe next year she'll sing too! :) This is one of the songs from her pre-school program.

k's 4th Birthday

So, last week, n, k and I all (in that order) came down with the stomach flu. D managed to escape. We had to postpone k's birthday party, which we had planned for Saturday. :( But thankfully, we are better now, and we celebrated k's actual birthday today. We made m&m cookie pops for her classmates. D also brought home unwanted cupcakes from work. k got so excited about them, but barely touched hers. Probably too full from her chicken curry dinner. Anyway, Happy Birthday to our little k, who is not so little anymore!

Favorite Commercial of 2010

D and I watched "Funniest Commercials of 2010". This is my vote for #1!

Lights in Laguna

I have an advent calendar that I made last year. The idea is to put different verses and activities for every day leading up to Christmas. However, I haven't been able to get my act together and plan out the whole month. Maybe next year, right? Well, two weekends ago the activity I planned was to go see the Christmas lights in the Nellie Gail neighborhood of Laguna Hills.

We packed the kids up and bundled them in blankets. Unfortunately, by the time we arrived the kids were sleeping. (n just woke up for the picture).


I have probably seen more elaborately decorated homes (like the ones we saw last year in RSM), but this was the first house to have its own radio signal!

Notice the sign: Tune into 100.1! The music is coordinated to the lights! We just listened from our car.


We drove around the posh neighborhood to look at some of the other homes too. Next year I want to do a drive-thru nativity...hopefully the kids will stay awake!

Christmas at the OC Zoo

This afternoon we used our free admission ticket to go to the OC Zoo. We went with really low expectations and came out pleasantly surprised. There were Christmas decorations throughout the zoo, which k got really excited about. I think this is the first time that she really showed an interest in seeing all of the animals. n liked pointing to all of the birds and saying his word for bird.












The highlight for us. There are two bears and they are huge!

An Up-tastic Party

I enjoy a themed party, and the "Up" party we went to last weekend had a lot of cute details.




Is this not the cutest?

Here are the caricatures of k + n. I think I will hang them over the doors to their rooms.

December??

This past week has been really busy, which is why we haven't had time to post. Thanksgiving seems like a distant memory already. We had a nice one though, with some really good turkey made by my mom. I went to Target's Black Friday sale at 4 a.m. I must say they really had their act together...the registers were fully manned, there was an expediter directing people the the next available register, etc. Later that morning I took n to urgent care because I suspected he had an ear infection. Unfortunately, I was right...both ears were infected. He was prescribed Amoxicilin, which he seems to really enjoy. Seriously, I give him his 1 tsp. dosage, and he seems to want more! Anyway, he has a follow up appointment next week where he will get a thorough ear cleaning; not looking forward to that one. D also put up the Christmas tree that day.

Saturday we went to a funeral in the morning where they had an In-n-Out truck! That was unique. In the afternoon, we decorated the tree. It is so cute to see k get excited about the same ornaments that I used to love unpacking each year. Saturday night we went to a one year old's "Up" themed birthday party. k and n each had their caricature drawn--I'll post the pictures later.

Meanwhile, D and I have been working hard on our Christmas cards. Plus, my sister and nephew came back to the States and are staying at my parents house right now.

The best part about it being December? No more mustache for D! k says she misses it; I think she got used to it and can't remember that D didn't have one before, haha.

Belacan Grill

I've been wanting to try Belacan Grill in Tustin, so when I saw a Groupon ($20 for $40 of food), I decided to take advantage of the deal. D's dad grew up in Malaysia, so maybe we should take D's parents here the next time they visit. Malaysian restaurants aren't that common.

Roti Canai ($3)

k's favorite. She even liked the curry dipping sauce that came on the side.

Nasi Lemak ($10)

"steamed rice with coconut milk and frangrant screwpine (pandan) leaves served with anchovies, boiled egg, cucumber, vegetables, roasted peanuts and our famous beef rendang" A little too authentic for our tastes. I guess I could have known from the description that it wouldn't be our favorite, but I was curious. The meat was kind of jerky-like. We will skip this one next time.

Char Kway Teow ($9)

Kind of like pad see ew, but I think I like pad see ew better. Not bad, though.
BTW, D was underdressed, and can I just say again that I really can't wait until November is over? (Although he did just receive a $76 donation, so that is really nice!)

Hainan Chicken ($12)

D's favorite. Personally, I can't get over the fact that it is served at room temperature, but it tastes good with the sauces and rice.

So, it turns out that Groupons apply to the tax, but not tip, so we needed to order one more roti to go to spend our full $40. We ate it for breakfast the next day! It heats up well in the toaster oven. I also put some of the leftover chicken in the leftover curry dipping sauce and it tasted pretty good! We would have probably liked some of the more Chinese-sounding dishes better, but then what it the point of going to a Malaysian restaurant?

Movember

So, throughout the month of November, or should I say Movember, D is sporting a stache. It is a good cause, no doubt, but I personally can't wait for it to be over. It started through one of D's co-workers who has done it before. Not one to say no to a challenge, D has been committed, even though he is self-conscious about it. It's times like these when I sort of wish D wasn't so dedicated to follow through with what he starts. Please donate here to make this worthwhile!

The Tustin Side of the Marketplace

This afternoon we nixxed plans to go to Fashion Island's tree lighting ceremony due to the rain. Instead we hung out at the Marketplace, on the Tustin side. First we went to Starbucks to enjoy their BOGO holiday drink special. Never seen that Starbucks that busy. k and n shared a peppermint hot chocolate and D and I shared a pumpkin latte. I couldn't resist this Starbucks ornament to add to my new "food and drink" Christmas ornament collection.


Then we went to check out the newly opened REI. Wow, it was crowded! D had fun checking out all of the ski gear.

n loves helmets of all kinds. He likes pointing out anyone else who is wearing a helmet, as well.


We also had him try on this $79 Northface jacket. No way would we ever buy this, but I really liked the color.

24 Hour Fitness

Ranking the 24 Hour Fitnesses that I have been to.

#1 Irvine Marketplace Super Sport (Towel Service, Frosted glass shower doors)
#2 Cypress Sport (Large one story, Easy parking)
#3 La Cienega Magic Johnson (Nice facility but three sotries)
#4 Orange Sport (Large two story, Easy parking)
#5 Irvine Spectrum Sport (Nice bathrooms, but no pool)
#6 South Coast Metro Center Super Sport (Nice but cramped)
#7 Irvine Center Sport (Average size)
#8 Manhattan Beach Active (Small)
#9 Irvine Culver Drive Active (Small)
#10 Sacramento (Fulton & Hurley) Active (Small and old)
#11 Tustin Active (Small and old)

Christmas Outtakes

Last week I tried to take our Christmas card picture by myself with the kids in the garden at Katie Wheeler library. Unfortunately, n was not being too cooperative, plus it was too sunny. So, here are a few shots from the outing.


This was an "almost". Too bad about the shadows.


k was sick on picture day at preschool, but I think this is a nice photo by which to remember this age.


It's really nice that there is this outside area to roam around in right next to the library. I let the kids run around whenever we go. I'll have to take pictures of the actual library because it is in an old refurbished house and it is so cute!

Jana Alayra Concert

I really should be sleeping right now because I do not feel well. k and I both came down with a bug yesterday. k missed picture day at preschool today! Being sick is so much tougher when you have other people to take care of. k is at the age where I wouldn't feel bad taking a quick nap, but n, not so much.

Saturday we went to the Blackmarket Bakery Open House which hosted three food trucks. We bought two sliders from The Burnt Truck and a skirt steak taco and empanada from Piaggio on Wheels. The Dogzilla truck was also there, but we weren't in the mood for hot dogs with mayonnaise and furikake. Blackmarket had free samples of cabernet pasta, pumpkin mousse cake, rocky road tartletts, pomegranate marshmallows and coffee. Our favorites were the empanada and the pumpkin mousse cake.



Less than two miles away was the Chinese church where Jana Alayra was performing a family concert. When we arrived, there was already a line at the door and most people had their tickets. The website didn't say anything about buying tickets in advance, so I was surprised. They said they were "sort of sold out" but told us to wait to see if they had room. Luckily, they did, so k was able to see some of her favorite songs being performed by Jana: Jump Into the Light and Absolutely Nothing. n fell asleep quite early on. I was also able to buy a CD to put into our music rotation for the car. Afterward the church had refreshments: chow mein, egg rolls, hot dogs and nachos (D's favorite). They also provided Halloween treat bags for all of the kids, which was a nice touch. Both D and I saw a few people that we know, too. I couldn't help but compare her to Junko...they both lead worship at Saddleback. I honestly don't know if I would be able to tell their voices apart aside from the songs they sing. However, it is nice that they both live in Orange County, so we can see them perform in person. My mom said that Jana had a concert at our church a while back. Funny how I didn't even know who she was, pre-kids. Looking forward to the Junko concert at our church early next year.

Top Sports Moments of My Life

1) Cal Football Holiday Bowls (2004 & 2006); Pac-10 Co-champions (2006)
2) Cal Basketball Sweet Sixteen (1997) and Pac-10 Champions (2010)
3) Indiana Basketball NCAA Champioship Game (2002); Big Ten Co-champions
4) Indiana Football Insight Bowl Game (2007)
5) San Francisco 49ers Super Bowls (1988,1989 & 1994)
6) San Francisco Giants World Series (2010)
7) Golden State Warriors Playoffs (2007)

Happy Halloween!

Since Halloween was on a Sunday this year, we were able to cram in a little more fun than usual. D didn't have to race over to church from work, so he wore his Elvis costume (which he already had from a work party a couple of years back).




k was little red riding hood. Yes, for the third year in a row. The cape still fit, and she wanted to wear it, so why not? I think we'll have to think of something new for next year, though.


n was a cowboy. Someone gave us the shirt, so I just bought the bandana. (I didn't think he would wear a hat, though that would have been cute). He seemed to like the idea of putting candy in his bucket.


This year k actually wanted to go into the bounce house, as long as n went with her. n wasn't quite sure to make of it, but k had fun bouncing, just like she does on our bed.


n also discovered the joy of cotton candy.

We got home before 6:30 so we went around our neighborhood for a little trick or treating, too. Then we turned on our own light and handed some candy out. This is the first time we have really been able to do it since a. we lived in a second story condo before, so no one came and b. usually we were still at the church harvest festival until it was too late for trick or treaters. Anyway, we'll see how long k remembers about the candy since she has forgotten about it quite quickly in the past.

Top 5 Races

#1 Surf City USA Full Marathon (Cool, flat, and ocean/park view)
#2 Surf City USA Half Marathon (Cool, flat, and ocean view)
#3 Rock 'n' Roll Los Angeles Half Marathon (Slight downhill w/ downtown finish)
#4 Long Beach Half Marathon (Neat combination of ocean and city skyline view)
#5 Disneyland Half Marathon (Hot and only a little bit of Angel stadium)

Laguna With Out-of-Towners

On Friday, D took off a half day because his B-school buddy and his girlfriend flew out from Atlanta to spend the weekend in southern California. The main impetus for the trip was for D and his friend Chris to run the L.A. Rock-n-Roll half marathon on Sunday. However, Friday and Saturday were spent touring around OC and LA. Chris' girlfriend, the lovely P, had never been to California before, so that was kind of fun. They stopped by In-n-Out on the way to our place (a must for first time California visits!) However, I think they both like Five Guys better. I guess we'll have to try them out when they open up at the District and see for ourselves.

We left the kids with my parents and drove to Laguna Beach. P wanted to see seals, but settled for the tidepools at Laguna. It was a lovely day, especially after all the rain we had the days before.







We walked around some of the galleries and shops. One gallery had an interesting display of the artwork/sculptures of Dr. Seuss.

D then took us to the Montage for one of the "top five views" of our lives. It was pretty grand; unfortunately I left my camera in the car!! The valet parking was $10, but it was nice to just walk the grounds. After all, the parking at Crystal Cove is $15, right? I thought it would be a nice place to get engaged...there were all of these little benches on top of the cliff, overlooking the water, not too many people around, etc.

We didn't spend too long there because I wanted to try to get into the happy hour at K'ya Bistro just down the street. I had made dinner reservations at 6 p.m., just in case. Good thing, because we arrived at 4:40--too late for the 4:30-5:30 happy hour (all food 1/2 off!) They were booked, and we were fifth on the secondary waiting list. Once they sat everyone, we talked in the lounge for a little bit, and then headed to the rooftop bar. Again, we were too late because all of the tables were taken! Wow, we had to sit at a back table which was reserved for another party at 5:30. At 5:20 we headed back downstairs and were seated in the "Crest Room" aka the alleyway at around 5:50. I think the regular dining room was "prettier" and "livelier" but I guess our seating was more conducive to conversation. They have small plates, so we shared BBQ meatballs, bleu cheese slaw, pork won tons, ahi tartare, lobster mac and cheese, a hamburger, and a tomato-basil-mozarella salad. A grown-up meal, and no kids to contend with.

Fall Camping in San Clemente

Well, we made it through our last and final camping adventure of the year. We returned to San Clemente, to the exact same spot we had earlier this spring. It was quite different this time, and not in a good way. We were debating asking other people to go with us, but I'm glad we didn't. I wouldn't have wanted to put anyone else through what happened to us.

The weather was very overcast on Friday afternoon. I didn't mind that too much, as I was glad that it wasn't the scorching heat we had not too long ago. It was kind of nice to return to the same spot, since we knew exactly what to expect. The only difference was the tree had a lot less leaves.


D has become a pro at setting up our tent, and had it up in no time flat.

It wasn't until we were going to start the stove for dinner that we realized we were missing one critical thing: a ligther. (We had assumed it was in the box with all our camping gear). D made a quick trip to Walmart, and picked up a couple of other things that we didn't bring. We decided to go simple for dinner and just had noodles. First, I tried a box of Trader Joe's "Tokyo-Style" soba.

Uh, not so good. I mean it was ok, but everyone preferred the regular Top Ramen that I had brought as back-up. (Added some frozen vegetables and ham for some color).

Afterward, we made s'mores over a campfire, always a hit, and got ready for bed. k and n had a difficult time falling asleep, however. While they were trying to fall asleep, a motley crew of young adults arrived at the campsite next to us. Oh, it was so awful...loud, drunk, swearing, etc. They were still up at 2:50 a.m. (and so was I, as I heard someone say what time it was). n fell asleep, but he kept on waking up and crying. One of our loud neighbors loudly complained about him, but I didn't feel too bad considering what they put us through. Two of them were walking towards out tent until they finally realized it wasn't theirs.

k had to go to the bathroom at 4:30 in the morning, and D kindly offered to take her. Must remember to bring shoes that are easy for her to put on/take off next time. D also made breakfast for us in the mist: eggs, hash brown patties and mango chicken sausage. After D cleaned up, we headed back to the tent to digest. After a while, D went outside and realized that the mist had turned into a light rain. We quickly packed up our tent and went home, getting somewhat muddy in the process.

I know I have made this trip sound awful. It just irks me that your neighbors, who you have no control over, can really ruin a trip. I think next time we need to find a place where the sites are not so squished together. However, there were definitely fun parts: k getting really excited about camping since she remembered out past trips, k and n running around the campsite, laughing at n in the tent when he pointed his fingers to the sky and bounced along to our rendition of Lady Gaga's Pokerface (neighbor's music choice), and the togetherness. When there was some quiet, it was nice being able to hear the crashing of the waves. Plus, when I was young, I used to always pretend with my sister that we were camping and it started to rain. Now I've experienced it in real life (not too fun in reality). Guess it is time to book our next trip, for next year.