Mama Cozza's

Our family got hooked on The Next Iron Chef and became more familiar with the stars on the Food Network channel. So for Christmas Steve gave me an Alton Brown cookbook, along with the promise of going to restaurants that have been featured on tv. We'll aim for the end of each month on payday! So we ended the year by dining at Mama Cozza's in Anaheim. Anna ordered pizza, Sam had rigatoni, I had pasta with Domery (red clam) sauce and Steve had the Chicken Pisano. Tasty! It was a fun way to spend the last day of 2011.

The Beach in Winter

After Christmas at the Long Beach Aquarium

Christmas Day: Mama's Photos

Christmas Day: Mina's Photos

"Oh Christmas Tree(s)..."

Believe it or not, these mini-trees have something to do with our bathroom remodels... I realized how accommodating the family was to my choosy ways in terms of picking out tile, fixtures, etc. and asking them for their opinion over and over again, when the process could have been a little more time-efficient. So when it came time to picking out a Christmas tree, I had flashbacks of the kids looking at each tree that I would have Steve drag out from several stacks, and hold up, one after another, for our perusal. It would be at least a 30 minute process each year. So this year, once we arrived at Lowe's tree lot, I told the kids that they could pick out any tree, and I would not interfere. They looked at me with disbelief, and went off... and within a minute, they spotted a miniature tree and said they wanted it. I said repeatedly, are you sure? Are you sure? They said, "Yes, it's so cute."
Well, ok... so let's make it unique and get another tree, one for each of you. So, there you go.

San Francisco: The Palace Hotel

After the Hyatt we strolled over to the Palace Hotel where they had a gingerbread house display. I had the girls pose in front of the tea room, which I overheard a guest describe as "of the most beautiful rooms in the city". Seeing the holiday decor got us in a festive mood, and was a nice way to end our visit up north.

San Francisco: The Ferry Building and the Hyatt

During our visit up north, we went into the city for the day via BART train. After had lunch at Gott's we strolled to the Hyatt to look at the Christmas decorations.

Ice Skaters

Anna and Lily braving the crowds and doing splendidly at the Walnut Creek winter ice skating rink.

Jean, Lou, and Betsy

While we were in Walnut Creek, we had a lovely visit with Jean and Lou, and Betsy. They have all known Steve since he was a child. Now he (we) has kids of his own. :)

Walnut Creek Winter

We had a fun visit with relatives during the winter break. This photo came out pretty good using the camera timer.

Sam's School Party

What a cute activity for the class party, a special photo with props!

Legoland Christmas

Kim and Mark's family took a trip down to San Diego and we met up with them at Legoland for the day. It was a very fun way to start our winter break! Enjoy the photos.