December 29, 2013

This week in pictures | Dec 23-Dec 29, 2013

A few of my favorite things at the Chinese market.  It's a treat when I can go:

99 Ranch Market

Putting the finishing touches on...

Gingerbread house

On the first day of vacation he reads:


The other boy rakes:


LOVE that profile:


This is a sight you won't see often: 


Trying to squeeze 12 people at the dining table on Christmas eve!


Gift wrap roll as makeshift napkin rings:


Portia wore the same dress from last Christmas.  I was too cheap to buy her a new one.  Plus, it fit her better this year.  Am I a terrible Mom??


"They're here, they're here!!":


After two days of cooking, David and I were exhausted but excited to feed our family!


Multi-color roasted garlic and cauliflower.  Love, love, love:


David had sore arms for days from scrubbing shell fish for his Portuguese fish stew.  It was fantastic babe!


Twas the night before Christmas:


and all through the house:


Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse:


I wonder at what age Truman will stop believing in Santa:




Oh Santa, you shouldn't have:


Darth Vader came bearing gifts too:


Goat cheese and fig spread on baguette.  I was too busy hosting to nosh but finally had my favorite combo the next day:


Hiking!


Pit stop:


First time having Japanese mayo with yaki-ramen at Hakata Ramen Shinsengumi.  OMG!

Hakata Ramen Shinsengumi

Dole whip, yay! No flower cup, boo!

Dole Whip

This is the first year our poinsettias survived through Christmas. They're liking the warm weather:


Road trip!


Go away Santa, go away:


When in Solvang eat pea soup and corned beef:


and of course, Aebleskiver:

Aebleskiver

Aebleskiver

I spy a windmill:

Solvang

A phone booth:

Solvang

and a big rock held up by small rocks:

Solvang

Portia is getting GOOD at wrestling.  The boys are teaching her well:


Endless dumpling making.  My Mom would have loved today:


And since I'm eating my way through New Year's, why not throw in a sushi seafood buffet:



When your kid makes you Five Spice Sugar for Christmas:

Five Spice Sugar

Make Five Spice Sugar donuts.  Thank you Truman...they were so YUMMY!!

Five Spice Sugar Donuts

Oh yes! Christmas IS magical:


Happy "blessed" weekend!