Browse Category: outta here

Merry Christmas!

IMG_8150We had a really laid back Christmas this year.  Kumquat was waking every hour Christmas morning until we finally moved her into our bed.  I think she was cold.  So, she slept in and so did Daddy.

DSC_4235Most of the morning was in our pjs until it was time to go to the store for groceries for dinner.

IMG_9122There were plenty of presents to open for everyone and we also enjoyed a warm 80-degree Christmas Day.

IMG_8188Jesse cooked a smaller standing rib roast than usual this year because we had a much smaller group.  Regardless, it was delicious!

IMG_8170Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Christmas Eve at Disneyland

IMG_9073We went to Disneyland on Christmas Eve to continue the tradition and it was a beautiful 75-80 degrees outside.  The crowds were manageable and we got some photos with the chipmunks without having to wait in line!

IMG_8090 We also rode a good number of rides without a lot of waiting thanks to FastPasses and teamwork.

IMG_8107Jes and I were pretty pumped to get the front row on Space Mountain.  IMG_8108It’s still a really fun (and fast) ride that made our eyes tear from all the wind!

IMG_8097There were plenty of hijinks and non-kid time thanks to the grandparents.

IMG_8105They often stayed with the kids while we went on the faster rides.

IMG_8059The babies also got to ride a few rides including The Jingle Cruise.

DSC_4140Kumquat rode Dumbo in the morning and seemed ok with it.

IMG_8057Waiting in line with Kumquat was not as bad as I thought it would be and she had a lot of fun climbing stairs and holding the rails.

IMG_8051It was Alice’s first trip to Disneyland and the cousins wore matching tops.  So cute!

DSC_4116Here’s a family photo with Santa.  Alice slept right through the photoshoot.

IMG_8085The two managed to nap rather well during the day and Kumquat ate better than I expected.

IMG_8082Instead of corn dogs and chicken nuggets, their kid’s meal had broccoli and whole wheat pasta!  Awesome.

IMG_2666IMG_8061Jesse bought me a tasty churro and Disneyland still makes the best churros in the world.

52146780001We spent equal time in Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure.  Luckily, Mommy knew someone who was able to hook us up with discounted Park Hopper tickets.

DSC_4188Our last ride was It’s a Small World and I simply love how they decorate it for Christmas.  IMG_8129They also feature Disney characters within their respective regions.  Here is my favorite one with Lilo and Stitch in Hawaii.

DSC_4211Disneyland at night is always so magical but it’s even more so during Christmas.  The castle is the best part.  IMG_8138So pretty…

DSC_4178We stayed up to watch the fireworks and snow at the end of the night and we all had such a fun day together as a family.IMG_2700

Here’s to family traditions!

Sunday

IMG_7937On Sunday morning, we went to Sunday Service and Kumquat loved the Children’s choir performance.

Here she is during the performance.  She tried to copy their moves and added some of her own.  Click here if you can’t see this video above.

IMG_7947In the afternoon, I drove down Irvine to meet up with Patty and Patti.  I hadn’t been back to Patty’s house since my baby shower!

IMG_7946It was so fun to see Kumquat trying to join the older girls.

IMG_7943Seeing Mochi was also good for me and for Kumquat.  He’s the closest thing we have to Koa (they’re 3/4 brothers) and I just wanted to take him home with me.  It was fun watching Kumquat trying to give him snuggles like she used to to Koa.

IMG_7985This is one of the best things about Christmas time.  I get to catch up with old friends and Kumquat gets to make new ones.  Thanks for hosting, Patty!  We loved seeing all of you!!

You can see more photos here.

Winter Break

IMG_7851 Let the vacation begin!  I have 11 days off!  Woot!  I haven’t had a break this long since my maternity leave!  I feel so lucky the have the time off since we’re running really thin on staff this coming week at work.

IMG_7856On Friday night, we went out to eat and Kumquat and I shared a tomato and burrata salad and mac and cheese.  I also kicked off the break with a nice strong drink.

On Saturday morning, I had lots of laundry and packing to do.  We left around 12:45 and Kumquat slept most of the way.  IMG_7864IMG_7873We stopped once to eat and once to pick up coffee where she got to run around and got a hold of my phone for a bit.

IMG_7881It was only during the last hour that Kumquat started to get really antsy so she got to watch some videos.  The trip took a total of 7.5 hours and the drive was congested at times but overall a smooth ride.

It’s good to be back in SoCal and at The Magical House.  I love having the grandparents around to hang out with Kumquat.  Jes and I were even able to get away for a quick trip to Target late last night to buy a few things.  Aaah…I feel more relaxed already.

48 hours in SoCal

IMG_6907On Saturday morning, I flew down to Cerritos.  It was really weird flying solo.  It was so easy and I actually got some reading done.  I arrived at Long Beach Airport, which had just gone through a big renovation.  I love flying through that airport because it’s so close to the Magical House and they let us deplane from the back.

IMG_6906Before heading over to the Buena Park house, we stopped at a local Target.  Apparently there was a special deal that involved Target taking old iPads in exchange for a $200 gift card.  Initially I thought the transaction wouldn’t go through because the lady couldn’t get the register open.  Fortunately for us, she found a bunch of the trade-in cards in another cabinet.  Score!

IMG_6919Later that afternoon, we went to Janelle and Stan’s wedding.  It was a very touching ceremony in a beautiful church.

IMG_8827In the evening, there was a reception at the Hyatt in Garden Grove.  They had a full Chinese banquet and it took FOREVER for all the food to come.  We were there pretty late that night and Kumquat held it together as well as she could.

IMG_6990On Sunday morning, we went to the Magical House and met up with Brother, Joy, and the Chamkasems.  My mom ordered a bunch of Thai food and we had such a feast!

IMG_6989The best part of the day was meeting my little niece Alice!!  She is so cute and it was interesting to see Kumquat’s response to meeting her.

IMG_7004It seemed like she had no idea who or what she was but she was also showing a little jealousy.  Then again, she was a little grouchy and clingy that morning already.

 

IMG_7010  IMG_7006IMG_7007That evening, we went to Lawry’s for Jason’s birthday and left Kumquat at Jes’ parents’ house.  Then it was back to SF early Monday morning and straight to work.  It was a busy weekend but totally worth it.