Kirsten and Mark

Yeah…that’s right. 18 whole hours. And, what did we do almost the whole time? Eat. Well, not exactly eating the whole time, but many activities revolved around food.

The plan: Leave early Monday morning, catch the 7:15 bus to NYC, get there by noon. Have the whole day, and leave at 10 the next morning.

The reality: Metro train had a problem. Took twice as long to get to bus stop as planned. Missed bus. Had to wait till 9:15. Barely made it on that one because of no shows. Later in the day=more traffic getting into city. We arrived at 2:45. We were really hungry, but didn’t want to drag our little suitcase all around, so we headed to the hotel. Should’ve walked the whole way. Would’ve been faster than the metro. Finally arrive, check in and all is well.

Head down to The Hog Pit, a BBQ place recommended by the fabulous Missy and Ari. They were right. It was FANTASTIC! I like pork and bbq, but it’s not like my favorite thing in the world. This was the best I have EVER had. I had the pork sliders and Mark had brisket. So delicious. I was full too, so a lot bummed we’d already made reservations for dinner back at the hotel.

That glowing thing in the background is their “Hog Pit” Sign.

True Texas bar decor as well. Since it was 4 pm, we were the only people in there. That felt a little weird. But, it was nice too. Thanks for the suggestion ladies!

When we looked on a map to figure out where to go next we realized this place was only a few blocks from the bus stop! Ah man, we’d have saved a lot of time and hunger if we’d just headed straight there.

We headed north toward Macy’s and Times Square. Stopped here:

We got Britton M&Ms in all the colors they had, and some mini ones as well. He loved them, as expected. Then we stopped here:

Can you guess? It’s Macy’s. They had the ground floor decorated very nicely. We were in there for a long time…and eventually made it all the way to the 8th floor. Yeah. It’s that big. A little ridiculous. Outside it was so cold, and I had forgotten my scarf and gloves at home, so I really considered actually buying a scarf or hat there. For those that know me, I don’t really do either, so to consider paying $35-40 for one it must have been really bad.

We also made a stop at the Hershey’s store and stocked up on good stuff. Well, I stocked up on their Cinnamon Chips. I can’t find them in LA, and there is the BEST cookie recipe on the back.

We turned east and ended up at Rockefeller Center.

I realize this is blurry. Maybe I really should give in and let Mark order the new Canon Powershot. Oh well…

Just across the square they had angels and trumpets, which looked through to Bloomingdales and their Snowflake Show…seriously, they danced to music.

More food: A stop at Magnolia Bakery for a slice of Pumpkin Cake, and we were off back south to make our dinner reservation.

Asia de Cuba. It’s basically what it sounds like, Asian style food with Cuban influence. It was a lot nicer/fancier than we were expecting. Especially being from LA when you can walk in almost anywhere in jeans and a casual shirt and be fine. The food was actually really good, and there was a lot of it. But, it was a bit pricey for my taste. Especially when I wasn’t really hungry at all after lunch. I was quite pained as we paid the bill, but it was a nice experience.

By that time we were pretty tired. I wanted to badly to see a movie since we hadn’t been to a theatre for months, but our hotel was calling. We stayed at the Grand Hyatt next to Grand Central Station. It was probably the most comfy bed ever. Especially compared to the last hotel we stayed at (Days Inn Barstow, we still hold a grudge.) I loved their pillows and their comforter. The morning came much too quickly. Luckily, we can buy it if we want through their “home collection.” Not sure yet if I want to spend $65 for a pillow though.

The next day I realized that the outfit I was wearing was twice as warm as the one from the day before! Blast! On our ride home we made another discovery–almost all of the money we spent in NYC was on food of some sort…lunch, M&M store, Hershey’s store, Magnolia, Asia de Cuba…I mean seriously, it was a little ridiculous. But, it was all pretty good. The Magnolia cake? You could pass it up. The cupcakes in there didn’t look super yummy either. I think it’s a cute little bakery that got famous, and is now a MUST SEE.

Anyway, we had a great time and I’m excited I finally got to see NYC at Christmastime…now maybe for Thanksgiving.

So, apparently we made a good choice in flying to DC the day we did, since the next day it started snowing and didn’t stop for another 2 days!

Luckily, we traveled down to Williamsburg for the weekend before it all started, so we missed out on most of it. It was just getting dark when we arrived at the Historic Powhatan Plantation. At the end of a long drive, the big red brick Colonial house greets visitors with bright candles in the windows. Fife and drum players stood on the steps playing tunes. Ah, Colonial Christmas.

In our “arrival papers” we got a brochure for “Christmas Town” at Busch Gardens. With nothing else to do that night, we headed over. It had started to snow lightly, but wasn’t too bad yet. Just as we got there we received some really bad news. Our friends Kristie and Jared were supposed to meet us in Williamsburg for the weekend (it’s halfway between NC and DC, hence the trip) but because of work obligations they had to be SURE to get back for, and an unpredictable storm coming in, they couldn’t come. After that setback, we were determined to lift our spirits even more at Christmas Town.

I’ve never been to Busch Gardens in the summer, but in the winter the ride entrances are closed off and the path to the different country themed “villages” are pretty definite. There were different scenes in each one, like a Penguin house that told you about penguins, and then had some real live ones on loan from the zoo. And a giant snowman. Brit wasn’t too sure about that one.

We saw Santa in his workshop, and Brit and Mark got a nice picture with him. Where are the pictures you ask? On a camera we don’t have. I forgot mine in the car, so Mark’s mom took them all. Maybe I’ll get them one day and you can see them on smugmug. There was a nice indoor place to eat, and a couple of different groups played songs and sang. The whole place, with its European village theme, had just a great Christmas feeling about it. It was just what I needed to get into the holiday spirit.

We took the train all around the park, and Brit liked that a little bit. But, since he was in the middle of the seat, he couldn’t see much.

It was starting to snow more and more by this point…wetter snow. And it was cold. My feet were frozen in my boots (some boots huh?) and we were getting soaked. It was time to head back. By now there was a lot of snow…like a couple of inches on the car. Oh yay!

It continued through the night and into the next day. Up in DC they got 18 inches! That’s pretty unheard of, all in one storm. I’m glad we were farther south and east since we got about 3-4 inches total.

The next day was pretty uneventful…if you don’t count the HOURS we spent in the Time Share’s sales office. We agreed to the talk, even though we own, to get the $100 card. Because of some miscommunication that resulted from our last stay in Scottsdale, they thought they didn’t have much to tell us, so at the END of our 90 minutes, I questioned something they had just breezed over and they found out that we hadn’t been told what we were supposed to have been and then it launched a whole other long time with paperwork and such. Man! Then, Mark’s mom had a little question about transferring her week to points and that resulted in another 2 hours.

FINALLY we made it out and by this time it was beyond Brit’s nap time. For dinner we ate at one of those restaurants that has been in a small town for more than 50 years. It was quaint and the food was passable. But, it was all decorated and had a nice homey feel.

Sunday dawned bright and clear. The roads had been paved and we headed to Colonial Williamsburg to check it out in the wintertime. So adorable. I just love it. But, the wind picked up and it was super cold…so back to the car and on our way home we went. I can hardly wait to go back, because as we left I discovered several more houses and streets I didn’t know existed. I thought it was just 1 street…but no. There are lots. Huh.

It was a nice little getaway and I’m glad we went, even if things didn’t go entirely according to plan. And, the best part of all was missing the blizzard of 2009

We went with some friends to Disneyland a couple of weeks ago and had a great time.

They were even good waiting while the Mommies went on a few rides.

I really liked all of the Christmas decorations they had up. It adds a nice excitement to the park.

Santa was waiting in his cabin–like, a real one–to greet people. He was very nice, but Britton wanted nothing to do with him. I barely got him to face forward for the picture. Maybe next year?

Maybe we should call it “Frosting eating” for Britton instead.

Mav doesn’t like frosting…it’s Brit’s favorite. I love how alike they are.

He spreads it on, then eats it. At least it’s not straight from the bowl.

Yum! He had a big glob right on his cheek, but it fell off JUST as I was taking the picture! =(

But, he was happy with it any way.

Brit definitely knows what he wants. The other night for dinner, he refused to eat his chicken and rice. He cried until Mark got him down. He pulled him to the fridge, opened the door and pointed to the mustard. Once he had his mustard he was happy and ate everything.

Well, one morning he wanted a hat.  We had to look until we found one he wanted. Apparently it was a baseball hat. He even called it that.

He loves the iPod touch and begs to play. His favorites are the letter and number games.

He pulled my glasses out of my bag the other day and showed us how cool he was.

We set up our Christmas tree the week after Thanksgiving. Brit had fun helping with the ornaments.

This one is a Kangaroo to represent our trip to Australia this year. Brit really liked it.

Brit helped put the Angel on the top of the tree.

This is what happened afterward….Brit played with the ornaments.

It’s been quite the fun time. He can’t seem to leave the red and silver balls alone. He pulls them off the tree then throws them or kicks them because he thinks they’re balls. He even got his first time out over it…but to no avail. He insists on playing with them. So, now our tree looks kind of retarded with all the balls on the top half, and a few of the other ornaments he can’t hurt on the bottom. Oh well…at least he’s having fun.

I love having our decorations up and turning the lights on. Brit gets excited when it’s time for “yites.” It just makes our place feel warmer and cozier.

We went to my aunt Tracy’s house in Page, Arizona (well, technically Greenehaven about 7 miles from the town. And oddly, Greenehaven is only their small subdivision.)

Anyway, we drove up Tuesday night and stayed with my dad in Vegas. Then had breakfast with Mark’s cousins Adrien and Lauren. It was so fun to see them and the super cute girls. The food was great too! Thanks guys…hope to see you again soon!

In Kanab we stopped for a visit with Angie, Bryan and Lexie. Looks like they still like holding hands.

We had a great little visit…always too short!

Then it was on to our destination. It’s right by Lake Powell, the south end.

Brit enjoying a football game with aunt Shaela

Eating Thanksgiving dinner. He wasn’t super into all the food, but he liked the roll and turkey. Ugh! What happened to my child who ate everything? I know…he’s a toddler now.

Some under-the-chair acrobatics….or something.

Rocks! Brit loved picking up the rocks. And every time…Rocks!

All the cousins…yes, there were this many of us, plus about 9 more. More on that later.

The nothingness that is Southern Utah and Northern Arizona. Though very pretty. Sunsets and storms are amazing.

Brit didn’t do too well with other people. He was really a mommy or daddy’s boy all weekend. Even Grandma holding him wasn’t ok. He did buddy up with my cousin Casey though. She’s 8 and he went to her a lot.

Finally getting a decent hair cut! It was dire. He liked it until the bottom…he hates that part.

The family girls…and boy. I was taking the picture. Shaela, Tracy, Brit, Chezney and Mom

What there aren’t pictures of:

20 people and 7 dogs crammed in a 3 bedroom house.

Us sleeping on an airmattress in the dining room and Britton waking up throughout the night, needing a drink or something and me trying to make sure he didn’t wake up everyone else.

The 3 pies I made…2 apple and 1 cherry for my birthday. I have to admit–it was dang good!

Britton throwing up 3 times on our way home. Our fault really…we let him watch a movie and play with the iPod. I just feel bad making him sit there with nothing to do (even though he doesn’t complain) but he just can’t do anything else or he suddenly gets sick. Super fun!

Our HARD AS A ROCK mattress at the Days Inn in Barstow–never stay there. We were so tired we knew we had to either stop or crash…so, much to my chagrin we stopped. We may as well have slept in the car.

The great time we had together with family that we see very rarely. We’re glad we went and for the blessings we have.

Thanks Trac!

For the past 6 months or so I’ve been going to Dream Dinners every 6 weeks or so. Dream Dinners is a place where you go to make freezer meals. They have all the ingredients ready–chopped, portioned etc. and I just have to put them together. I make about 12 meals in an hour. It’s awesome.

Well, Paige and I decided we could also make our own, so we gathered some of our favorite–or easy–recipes and headed off to Costco

It was quite the trip…sad I don’t have pictures of it.

Then it was back to my house for some of this:

The Prep Counter

Just some of the food....

There was so much food! Pretty good for $330

Master Chef

We had lots of fun pouring, mixing and creating.

Professional pizza makers

One of our meals…mostly for the pizza-loving boys.

And here's a tortilla

For some reason I’m channeling a Price is Right model. Here’s to the yummy enchiladas!

Completely full fridge

Seriously, completely full. I couldn’t fit another thing in my freezer either. Granted, a lot of this is Paige’s too….

We created a few dishes

And, what were Brit and Mav doing all this time? Well, being perfect angels of course. Really, they were very good. They played together, watched a movie or two, didn’t cause any serious harm, and even liked each other at the end.

What? It's educational!

So, after about 9 hours together, from shopping and cooking, we ended up with about 15 meals. Combined with that and the Dream Dinners I already had I haven’t cooked a complete meal from “scratch” in like a month. It’s sooooo awesome!

The Bee is getting ready for some sweets

Maybe a dip in the water...

Really, he wanted in.

Get the candy

put it in the basket

That really was his favorite part, but a lot of people just put it in his basket for him. It took a long time for us to get these pictures. Since he doesn’t yet dare talk in two-word sentences, the best we got for “Happy Halloween” was “Ween!” sometimes elongated and often with a hand in the air in excitement. Trick or treat was “teet” and of course, his always present “Thank you.” He did steal many workers’ hearts for sure.

What are the odds? A witch and rock star have a cute little bumble bee!

The Bee collecting sweet stuff

Scary trunk..I mean, witch's lair

We think Britton had fun. We know he liked running around on the baseball field during crafts. When we got home he was just interested in taking his candy out of the pumpkin and putting it somewhere else. It was the days ahead that we would constantly hear “candy?” with a cute little sign.

Wednesday…the one before Halloween….we carved our pumpkins. Well, just one of them.

Brit colored his since we figured a knife wouldn’t be a super good idea.

Mark starting on his masterpiece

Brit likes the guts!

Yes, that’s his eye

Happy Jack

On Thursday we went Trick-or-Treating at a retirement home near by. Some of the residents were excited to see us, some of them couldn’t have cared less. But, the kids got to go running around in a new place, so that was fun.

On Friday at Musicmakers all the kids dressed up and then we decorated cookies afterward. Brit loves the sticks!

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