Anyone who has ever read our blog knows I LOVE to cook. Well, this year for New Year's we did what we always do: Chinese food. You may wonder why on earth we always have Chinese food on New Year's? Good question. It started 5 years ago and we never fail to get that hankering on the morning of December 31st.
This year, we had my parents and Jordan over for a casual feast. I tend to over-do it if I don't consciously plan on doing less. I decided to go with spring rolls, sticky rice, and two main courses. Pretty tame, right? (We know sticky rice is not Chinese, we just wanted to be able to grab handfuls top mop up sauce.) Well, it is not my intention to brag, but this was possibly the best cooking I have ever done in my life! We ate casually, often standing and talking in the kitchen. Every sauce, dip, relish, etc. was 100% homemade, and the following picture is a look at the spring roll appetizer. Everyone was happy, and that is difficult to do in my family, because we span the gamut when it comes to adventurous eating!
Little Juby is working so hard at relaxing and participating in dance class. Typically, she will plant herself in the middle of the room and refuse to move for the duration of the class. We have pictures to prove it. Recently she has improved, although she has an odd tendency to choose the all-black ninja look when given the option to dress herself.
In the middle of January we all headed out to the beach for the weekend. It was a multi-purpose celebration as Kevin turned 31 and his Uncle Jim was in town for several days. We had a lovely time, consumed lots of red meat, cake, and played Wii and pinnochle.
Kevin had a low key birthday, which I think he wanted this year. We (he) got him (himself) an iphone for his present. Kev couldn't be more pleased with what we (he) got him (himself).
Ryann and Juliet got locked in a bedroom, which brought to mind the other two occasions where Uncle Shane somehow locked himself in the bathroom. As no one was traumatized, it was quite amusing . . .
Kevin insisted on taking this picture while looking through Debby's telescope, it was stormy:
One of many games of pinnochle. NOT the one where Amy and I embarrassed ourselves badly by sticking to our motto, "Go big or go home."
This was me "helping" Sophie have a rest. You know, it's hard being a kid. They get all worn out playing with their cousins all day. Sometimes they just need a nap.
Clearly Sophie needed a few minutes of shut-eye.
One of many Wii tournaments. Ben and Ryann were right there in the competitive mix, although Kevin always seems to win. Maybe that will change in a couple years when one of these two shows him up. (That is Debby's new boat picture hanging in the background!)
All in all, a great weekend and a great month. We look forward to more fun at the beach and to Uncle Jim's visit next year!
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