Browse Month: December 2013

Catching up

IMG_8033One of the best parts of Christmas Break is being able to catch up with old friends.  Our closest friends are the ones we grew up with in high school and they all manage to make their way back to Cerritos around the holidays.  IMG_8032On Monday night, we met up in Irvine for a shabu shabu dinner.

Afterward, we went to Balcony for drinks.  We were warned by our waiter that it was a place for “young people” and we just laughed and thought “as long as we can get in with slippers and t-shirts, we don’t care”.

IMG_8034 IMG_8035We were probably the oldest ones at the bar and only got carded because we looked like people who would bust them for under-age drinking.  The waitress literally said that to us.  That gave me a good chuckle.  We also watched a girl stumble out of the bar and carried down the stairs at 10pm after they had had a whole bottle of vodka.  Ah…youngins.

IMG_8241On Thursday, we had lunch at Sunrise Cafe with the crew again and I also went to Holly’s house in the evening.  It’s so nice to have Holly and Roy back in California.  I loved watching the interaction between Kumquat and Andrew.  IMG_8236It was like the best date ever complete with toys, snacks, and hugs at the end of the evening.

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 Baby!

IMG_8189Teresa and Aaron got a surprise Christmas gift today when Teresa’s water broke in the morning.  They went to the hospital and hours later, they had a healthy baby BOY!  His name is James Henry Hopkins weighing in a 6 lbs 14 oz and measuring 19 inches.  Sounds like mom and baby are doing well.  I can’t wait to meet the newest member of the Cheekster Club!!

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!

Early Christmas

IMG_7913On Sunday morning, Brother and Joy came over and I got to snuggle Alice for a bit.  She’s grown so much since Thanksgiving and has gotten some cheeks on her now.

IMG_7981In the evening, Brother came back from his lunch party and Mommy cooked us ox-tail soup and Kao Mun Gai (chicken rice).

IMG_7982What a feast!!

IMG_7974Afterward, Brother couldn’t help bust out all the gifts so we exchanged presents a little early.  Here is the peanut shirt I bought for Alice.  Heh heh – peanut.

IMG_7980Jesse got a shirt based off the “Soft Kitty” song from the show Big Bang Theory.

IMG_7978Kumquat got a sweatshirt from my mom and she paraded around the room with it.  Funny girl.

IMG_7939My present from my mom came earlier in the day.  She ordered a 25-piece box of Sakoo Sai Moo and it was delicious!!