Browse Category: kumquat

The Drive Home

magical houseOn Saturday, we got up late, packed our things, had lunch with my parents, and then headed back up to SF. drive home Jason and Jia also followed us in their car and Koa rode back with us too.

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Along the Grapevine, we also encountered some snow flurries, which was pretty cool.

drive home  There wasn’t much traffic and we made pretty good time.  For dinner we stopped at The Apricot Tree Restaurant where they have a huge collection of old lunchboxes and thermos’ on display.

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The meal also wouldn’t be complete without a taste of their fresh apricot pie, which was good but I still don’t think I like apricots.

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We also took CA-152 across this time and stopped at the Gilroy Outlet Shopping Center.  I picked up a new pair of Nikes and almost bought this adorable sweater for Kumquat.

We all made it home in one piece and the drive back up was much more bearable than the drive down last Saturday.

20 years later

the counterThis afternoon I had lunch with the old college roomies and it was so much fun to see them and the kids too.

meetingWe met up at The Counter for some tasty burgers and onion strings and Kumquat got to finally meet little Micah who was born just 3 weeks before her.

groupAfterward, Sandy and Linda joined me on the UCLA campus for some photos with the Bruin.

DSC_9510 bruinIt was weird being back after so many years and I was so happy to have Kumquat there with me.

royceroyceSandy and Carl joined me farther up Bruin Walk to Royce Hall and it was like a walk up memory lane.  I had forgotten how beautiful the campus is and was a little giddy thinking about all our lunches on the steps with the fatty squirrels and the naps we used to take by the fountain.

sandyThose were fun times and I can’t believe it all started 20 years ago.

Shopping and Sushi

Thursday

Today was pretty low-key.  We initially planned to have lunch at Din Tai Fung but that didn’t work out so we drove down to South Coast Plaza for some Lawry’s Carvery.  IMG_9756

Afterward, we walked around a bit and met up with Jia, Auntie Jeanie, and Cousin Abby who were also shopping there.  IMG_9769

For dinner, Jes and I left Kumquat with the grandparents and had a sushi dinner with Brother and Joy in Torrance.  The food was good but the beer and sake were even better.  IMG_9770Afterward, we stopped at their house for some ice cream and more beer.

Marie and the Boys

Suminos For lunch, we met up with cousin Marie and the boys.  The boys are so big now and I can’t help reflect on how Cole (the oldest) used to be Kumquat’s age when I used to babysit him.

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They were also reunited with Koa who was gracious enough to pose for a photo.

Also, thanks to Kenji for helping us out with our tire.  You’re the best!

Old Friends

old friends

One of the best things about going home for the holidays is that everyone else comes home too!  IMG_4704This morning, I met up with Holly, Patti, and Patty at Panera for some coffee and lots of catching up.  It’s always great to be in the company of these girls.  Just one year ago, they threw me a mini baby shower and look at us now!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas

Merry Christmas!  We had a wonderful time at Disneyland on Christmas Eve.DSC_9412

On Christmas morning, Kumquat met her Great Grandmother.DSC_9451

On Christmas Day, Jes made prime rib again and and the entire dinner was delicious!  Kumquat celebrated her First Christmas and despite the four teeth coming in, she still joined us at the table and opened presents.

family photoHere’s a group photo of the whole Lao-Jang family together.  Thanks for the photo, Uncle Dennis!