The front of the bus

We had a great time at Disneyland over the holidays. Here we are, picture courtesy of the monorail driver.

We got to sit in the front cab along with the driver because we happened to be in the right place at the right time in line. (I had seen people in the front car from the ground but had thought it was reserved for annual pass holders or other Disney VIPs -- fancy us getting to ride in the Exalted Car!)

Mickey, er, Minnie Mouse!

Katie was fascinated by the Disneyland characters, especially Minnie Mouse. She had several encounters with Minnie (who she insists on calling "Mickey Mouse"), including several time to have "hugs" and "nosies."

It's a Small World -- all dressed up for Christmas

Colin's and Fedora's favorite ride: It's a Small World, all dressed up for the holiday season. We thought the Disneyland "cast" did a great job of dressing the whole park up for Christmas.

Other favorites:

• Dad: Indiana Jones Adventure
  
• Mom: Soarin' Over California
  
• Katie: flying elephants, teacups, "Blue House", and the "riding the white horse"
  
• Colin: teacups, ladybugs, and the flying boxes (Flik's Flyers)

On the Mark Twain Riverboat

Here we are, on the Mark Twain Riverboat. Colin insisted we board the "big steamboat" but insisted on staying inside for about half the ride.

By the second day, we learned that there are a few attractions -- like the Riverboat -- that aren't crushed with lines, even by mid-morning. We got good at racing to the crowded rides right when the park opened at 8 am. Also, this was the first time I went to Disneyland where I heard the waiting crowd count down to the opening of the main gates.

Hurrah: In-N-Out Burger

A pit stop in Kettleman City on the way down to Disneyland. This year, Katie learned the word for "burger". Colin is a big fan and, not surprisingly, Katie is too -- being the family's most enthusiastic carnivore. She either calls them "bur-gers" or "ha-guh-bers" :-)

Introducing Titus and Tiffany Wong

And here they are, the blushing bride and groom, Tiffany and Titus in a behind-the-scenes shot from the "ready room." Congratulations!

Don't they look good enough to eat?

Part of the fun at Titus and Tiffany's wedding: impeccably dressed strawberries!

Fun things that the kids say

Colin: Can you smell that?
Me: What's it smell like?
Colin: Nothing but much.

Colin just stopped saying this, but he used to ask this all the time: "daddy, will you sit next right to me?"

Katie: Wah! (meaning: "I'm uncomfortable and want to get out of the car")
Colin (hands her a book): Here you go, Katie.
Mom: Good job, Colin. Why did you give Katie the book?
Colin: It will help with her madness.

Lunch at The Slanted Door

We met up with my old high school buddy Linda at the Ferry Building in the city. After a long wait, we had lunch at The Slanted Door. It was nearly worth the wait: the restaurant's new location is sleek and airy, the service is friendly, and the food was fresh, presented well, and tasty.

Having said all that, I have to agree with those who feel the restaurant doesn't live up to its hype. Like an outstanding university orchestra that people occasionally compare to a professional orchestra: you go with high expectations and come away just a little disappointed -- and feel somewhat guilty for your own disappointment.

Maybe our tastebuds are too informed by the working-class Vietnamese restaurants out there that don't serve the pretentious $5 teas. :-)

Little Saigon in San Mateo

We had a fun, casual dinner at the new Little Saigon next to the Marina in San Mateo. In my opinion, the food was better than at Saigon City (San Mateo) though not as good as some places in South Bay. Decor is typical cafeteria-style Vietnamese, but service is prompt.

However, Colin declared it to be on of this top three favorite restaurants -- right up there with Fresh Choice and the "Yellow Dude Restaurant". He has the BBQ boneless chicken over rice. A big hit with both kids.

Other folks have visited as well:
http://www.chowhound.com/california/boards/sanfrancisco/messages/105096.html
http://www.killerrobot.com/wes/eats_vietnamese.html

"Breaking the Money Gate"

We walked down to the nearby school's playground. Both kids enjoyed swinging on the swings, and Colin invented a new game which he found hilarous: he insisted that I use my arm as a "gate" halfway down the slide. He'd slide down and "break the gate" -- then shout "again, again, again!" to repeat the fun.

He found it esp. hilarious by calling it the "money gate" -- i.e., a tollbooth where you're supposed to pay money. Looks like we have a little outlaw on our hands. :-)

Walking back from the park 

Bambi and Friends visit our next door neighbor

We saw Bambi and friends as we left our house last Sunday. This family of deer have visited before, but this is the closest we've seen them so far. They must be used to people, as when I got out of the car to take the picture, they wandered over to check me out...

And now it is the time to eat. :-)

One of our favorite things about Katie is how much she loves food: just like mom and dad. Her food-related vocabulary is vast. Samples include: lishiss (delicious), tasty, how chr (delicious in Mandarin), "meat!" (oftentimes her favorite food!), wah-mer (watermelon), french fries, (ba-)nanas, orditch (orange), and of course hagurber for the tasty In-N-Out treat!

Really: a popsicle for me?

Colin here enjoying one of his favorite foods: a popsicle.