More Kiddies

December 30, 2008

I've been shuttling back and forth from SF to Santa Clara to spend quality time with my family, my folks are actually in town for a good chunk of time (until the 2nd). So, I was back hanging out with the kiddies, painting their nails, all that good stuff. 

Cuties.

Nutcracker 2008

December 28, 2008

On Sunday, we (me, my sister, Mom & Terrina) took Olivia and Charlotte to see the matinee of the SF Ballet Nutcracker. This is an annual tradition that Angie and I started a few years ago with Olivia, and this was Charlotte's first time. We would've loved to have brought Simon, but he's way too active and talkative to sit for the entire show, so hopefully for next year?

The show was wonderful, and the girls enjoyed it. Charlotte did really well, considering she's been sick and was pretty tired. After the show, we headed over to Flippers for some early dinner. 


Now, if only I could get music from the dance of the sugar plum fairies out of my head...

Boxing Day

December 26, 2008

The day after Christmas, I dropped Will off at the airport for his trip back north to see his family (hi to the Laverys and Foghs in Ontario!), and then I headed right back down to Santa Clara for more quality family time.

The 26th is known as Boxing Day in Canada (and the other Commonwealth countries), with some historical factoids of significance, but is really a shopping holiday. So, my sister and I went to the mall in recognition of Boxing Day (ha!).

After enduring the gaggles of people out shopping, we had dinner at home (lots o' great leftovers from Christmas dinner!).













Happy Boxing Day!

Holly Jolly Christmas!

December 25, 2008

On Wednesday night, Will and I were down in Santa Clara for Christmas eve activities at my sister's house. My parents had flown into town on the 22nd, and were immersed in cute kids and lots of activities. 

Our family tradition is that we do a low-key dinner on the 24th, open presents with the kids in the wee early hours of the 25th, I cook a big brekkie (with lots o' pork products), and then my folks take care of a superb Christmas night dinner. It's all good. 

The Chan girls made an appearance at Christmas eve dinner before they headed out to Maui:






Will and I spent the night and woke up to little feet waking up to see what was under the Christmas tree...











With mimosas flowing freely, Will and I whipped up 3 pounds of bacon, 3 pounds of maple sausage, egg scramble (with avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion and sharp cheddar), hash browns with grilled onion, and toast. Yum!

The rest of Christmas day was spent in a toy-playing, napping fog. By mid-afternoon, the kitchen was in full scuttle again, with lots of activity, even the kids got into the fun:

Dad's prime rib...mmmmm....



Key and Robert also joined our family for dinner (I think it was my dad's prime rib that was the big draw...)...






We had a tremendous time with the family, and it came and went faster than usual, it seemed. Hope you all had a wonderful holiday wherever you were!