Holiday wrap up

Between Christmas and New Years, Gary's family came to LA for a visit. The Vesneski's were continuing on to Disneyland to spend a few days with friends from Sydney after the new year, Gary's parents were continuing on the Palm Springs to spend a couple months in the sun & on the golf course.

We all went to Universal Studios, had an early new years eve, and then did a little Santa Monica / Hollywood tourist trap things before everyone had to move on.

We all had a great time at Universal Studios. The Simpsons ride was enjoyed by all, along with the Mummy ride. I think everyone was a little surprised that both the adults and kids had fun at the park, the rides amuse and entertain all.

Almost the entire family at the Universal Studios animal show. Gabe is in the foreground, then Gary's sister Linda, niece Tabitha, mom Elaine & dad Ken.


Gabe & Tabitha with Jaws.


On the Universal Studios tour, they had some stuntmen showing what they do. Here one guy is getting launched after a gun fight.


I brought my parents up for a close-up view of the Hollywood sign. There is a great view right above the original Hollywoodland housing development.

Pie & Pickle

Sarah made a tasty looking apple pie today.
We got 2 big bags of apples in our CSA (community supported agriculture) box this week.


I think when we recycled our Christmas tree last year, we inadvertently recycled the "Christmas Pickle". We were in need of a replacement pickle ornament. To my surprise, pickle ornaments are not readily available. Sarah had to make one, she "felted" this one. It came out pretty slick, a happy, smiling Christmas Pickle.

This is a tradition of which i was unaware until I met Sarah. See, you hide the "Christmas Pickle" ornament in the Christmas Tree, and whoever finds it get the special prize. We have friends coming over for dinner tonight with their 2 year old daughter, we are going to set her off on a mission to find the Christmas Pickle.

A tree grows in the condo

We got our christmas tree up the other day. It sat for a day undecorated, but we got everything all set up & some presents wrapped & put under it.

Let the season begin. It never really feels that much like the Holidays until the tree get put up & the smell invades the house.

So how do we think this compares with years past?
Our previous trees are below:

2007 tree


2006 tree

the tree is up!

we got our Christmas tree put up over the weekend. here it is in all its glory. Fancy new LED lights also, we can leave them on all day and use less electricity than normal.