Monterey Aquarium

The Tennessee Snows came out for a visit this Thanksgiving. I was fortunate to have the whole week off after working 11 hour days with parent-teacher conferences the week before, and Isaac had a few days off, so we got to spend a lot of family time together.

We spent a day down in Monterey. Aiden LOVED all the fish in the aquarium. We literally had to tear him away from some of the exhibits; he was perfectly happy staring at the sea life for long periods of time.

After exploring the aquarium, we dined at Ghirardelli Ice Cream, stopped at the beach for a bit, and picked up fresh produce at a local farm’s stand.

We ended the day with exotic burgers and a movie. It was a great day.

Birthday Surprise!

This weekend, I thought I was having a girls’ night for three, scrapbooking at Brooke’s apartment in Oakland. When I got there, I found it was a girls’ night for FOUR because Valerie flew in from Nebraska! Talk about a great birthday surprise! Plus, Isaac packed me an overnight bag so we could have a sleepover!

Not only did I get Monday off for Veteran’s Day, and not only was I spoiled by my mom and dad with a delicious dinner and exactly what I wanted, but I got to spend time with three of the greatest girls I know. Thanks to everyone for making it such a great three-day weekend!

A Lesson on Fine Dining

This week I enjoyed some California Rolls from our favorite Japanese place around the corner. I was excited to pull out the beautiful chopsticks I got in “Japan” at EPCOT this summer. Aiden was looking at me with that gleam in his eye that says “Teach me, Mommy!”

So I did.

We may have happened to have picked up a pair of training chopsticks in EPCOT as well. The two sticks are held together by a panda and totally adorable.

They are not, however, as easy as you might think. There’s lots of wiggle room still.

I was really proud of Aiden for being so persistent trying to pick up his bread with chopsticks.

Finally, success!