I had my hands, heart, and gut overflowing this holiday season.
It was dreamy.
Heartwarming.
At times, giddy.
And occasionally peculiar.
But a magical life with them couldn't be anything less than average.
This family LOVES Christmas.
I mean, only Jesus' birthday could get us up early for Sunday morning church service.
We became a family of 6 for 21 days. Auntie Karen came to stay with us!
We drove. We wandered. And took her to the furthest reaches of L.A.
We found the World's Largest ChristmasTree.
Danced like everyone was watching.
And bashfully gushed over Bruce Lee.
We stopped by the Martial Arts History Museum. Let's just say I don't see a MMA career for her in the future.
We attended the Paddington 2 premiere.
And watched Paddington strut the "Blue" carpet in starstruck awe.
Some things are meant to go together like Presley and mangoes.
Ramen and Beer.
David and Beer.
Ice cream and family selfies.
Black and white.
Handcrafted hideouts and nerf guns.
Lobster and rolls.
(My sister cracks lobster like a pro).
You'll never go hungry at her home.
Our families had our annual dinner and Star Wars in Culver City.
But not before the kids asked, "money just comes out??"
They also had a history lesson on a traditional keyboard. (Thanks John and Martha!)
And practiced operating a public telephone.
Other lessons included mahjong for kids.
Professional golf for kids.
Miniature Golf for adults.
The kids loved the Pirate's Dinner Adventure Show.
I quite enjoyed the beefcake.
I was reminded of a few things during winter break:
The Grove is crowded.
Shopping with kids is not fun.
(They touch E V E R Y T H I N G).
And party of 7 at Dominique Ansel bakery is more than our SoCal Gas bill.
Winter can remind you that the one cure for everything is: soup.
Korean soup.
Japanese soup.
Or Chinese soup. I don't discriminate.
My kitchen was closed for the holidays. So we ate out A LOT.
At the Original Farmer's Market, go Mexican. At least, that's what the kids recommend.
Ramen on Melrose Place.
My family agrees!
Does it work?
Last family meal of 2017.
First family meal of 2018. I always get the salmon kabob plate at Panini Cafe!
Final thoughts: the La Brea Tar Pits.
It's quite eery and spooky, if you ask me.
Also, thank you Tahmisian family for letting me pick lemons off your tree.
and Annie for organizing our annual, neighborhood caroling group!!
It broke the all-time record of the coldest night of the season...burr!!!
More holiday recaps from 2016 and 2015!