January 8, 2012 - ~Ladies Night Out~

Leah made arrangements for us to see Wicked at the Pantages followed by dinner at Fabiolus. Being the super early gal that she is, we even had time for a cocktail before the show. What a nice way to end our Christmas vacation :)
*Not being the picture taker at this life event, dodo bird me forgot to post this awesome night with awesome gals.

January 16, 2012 -Chicago, Here We Come!

This relaxing and uneventful weekend filled only with church, Chutes & Ladders, Candy Land, and Happy Feet 2 at the dollar theater ended on a high note.  We are going to visit The Windy City!  The irresistible opportunity presented itself  in a fleeting deal on Virgin Atlantic. Before the sensible side of me could kick in, I had us booked.  Travel tradition dictates that once my tickets are purchased, I dutifully plop myself on the floor of the travel section of a bookstore and peruse (& purchase) the Frommer's book of my destination; I rounded up the boys, headed to Barnes & Noble, and did just that :)

January 5, 2012 - Mt. High Tubers

The weather in Whittier was to be in the 80's, so I thought this would be the perfect time to head up to the mountains. Translation: Mama can handle the expected 60 degrees weather there :)  Anthony took to tubing instantly. Our Daniel, on the other hand, preferred to be a spectator.  He did show some interest, and we thought he'd go for it.  However, when push came to shove (literally), he couldn't do it.  "Next time," he says.  Daddy, being the good sport, took him to the lodge

January 1, 2012 - Movie Night

They LOVE Thomas and Friends!

December 30, 2011 - Venice, CA (Not Italy)

After considering a plethora of things to do today, we landed on going to Venice Beach and the canals.  The 70 degree plus weather in Whittier was not what welcomed us in Venice.  It was overcast and cold, but we were happy nonetheless to stroll the quirky strip and collect seashells on the beach.  The canals were something we'd never seen, so we headed a few  blocks east to check them out.  The beautiful homes and decorated canals were enchanting despite the fog that crept in and engulfed them.   I have to say, being there made me miss the real Venice just a little.

December 29, 2011 - Fans of Farrells

Today we had a long overdue date with Josefina, the boys' former nanny.  The festive Farrells  was the location for lunch.  What a fun place! The staff was over-the-top friendly, attentive, and fast.  Celebration must have been the word of the day because choruses were springing up every 5 minutes for anniversaries or birthdays. Diners were encouraged to clap and sing; Anthony and I were the diNERDs all over that!

~Loved their newspaper fashioned menu~

Cassandra, our server, with our dessert.

December 27, 2011 - Christmas Over & Out

Daniel has been busy taking down all that is Christmas.  Most of it is down and neatly packed away including Thomas the Elf.  It was fun finding new viewing spots for him; Daddy even got into the action.  I sure will miss seeing the boys search for him and hearing them say, "Elfie, where are you?"  Until next year ;)