First SAHM Test

Going to spend a rainy afternoon INSIDE with two VERY RAMBUNCTIOUS preschoolers and a baby. My plan: read a ton of books to the kids, build train and hot wheels tracks and try not to drink too early. (just kidding about the drinking of course... he he.)

Christmas Card Fun

We braved the 55 degree temps yesterday and headed out to take the holiday card photo. Do you know how hard it is to get three kids to look in the same direction let alone smile at the same time? Its hard. We did our usual trip down to the beach and in about 15 minutes (all the time we had before we knew meltdowns would start) we got our shot. Here are a few that didn't make the cut.

Wanna see my tongue?


Where's Owen and whose knee is that?


Must touch my favorite baby sister

Under contruction

Don't mind the mess - just trying to figure out how to spruce up the blog.

Tasting Menu

Since we have a few foodies in the family, thought I'd share the menu from last night:

Hamachi Sashimi

micro greens, caviar-lime dressing

Hirsch Gruener Veltliner, Heilingenstein, Kamptal Austria 2006

Sauteed Hudson Valley Foie Gras

asian pear-ginger salad, onion marmalade

Jean Vesselle Brut, Reserve, Champage, France NV

Nantucket Bay Scallops

sunchoke creme, cardoon barigoule, hand-rolled pasta and truffle sause

Mastroberardino Fiano di Avellino, Campania, Italy 2007

Roasted Breast of Pheasant

salsify, pecan cream, matsutake mushrooms and cognac-pheasant jus

Jean Raphet, Les Bussieres, Chambolle-Musigny, Burgundy, France 1990

and

Grilled New York Brandt Natural Beef

ragout of short ribs, swiss chard and baby carrots, pommes puree, bordelaise sauce

Rocoulons

red wind-apple compote

Yalumba Shiraz-Viognier, Barossa, Australia 2001

Apple Creme Brulee

palmier pastry, cinnamon ice cream

Lillypilly, Noble Blend, Riverina, New South Wales, Australia 2006

Seven Years

Leslie and I are celebrating our seven year anniversary this evening. Seems like we just got engaged yesterday. Have organized a sitter for the kids and will be enjoying the chef's tasting menu at Studio in Laguna Beach - perhaps one of the nicest oceanfront dining experiences in all of Southern California. Looking forward to a few hours of fun with Les and a ton more anniversary dinners.