Santa Barbara 2016

We decided to make a detour through Santa Barbara on our way home from Anaheim. Partially (ok, mostly) because we needed wanted McConnell's Ice Cream (Try the Sweet Cream & cookies.... SO GOOD).

 

We found a room at the Hyatt Santa Barbara which was located on Cabrillo right across the street from the beach. Since we were only there for 24 hours, we didn't really explore the hotel, but it was sufficient for the night.

The next morning we hit up our favorite gluten free bakery, Lilac Patisserie on State Street. They offer great breakfast & lunch and even better pastries and coffee. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed their GF blueberry muffin.

 

xoxo

Disneyland 2016 Birthday Trip

It's becoming a tradition each year to visit Disneyland for the boys birthdays. We ask them if they'd prefer to have a party or go to Disneyland. The hubby seems to think that I keep asking them what they'd prefer to do until they finally settle on Disneyland. LOL (There may be some truth to that)

Here are a few pics from our trip. (Keep in mind that all pics on my blog are iPhone photos.)

We usually stay at the Hyatt Regency on Harbor Blvd, but wanted to try out the new Courtyard Marriott Park Entrance since #1 it just opened in August 2015 and #2 its right across the street from the park. I can never pass up a new hotel, let alone a new hotel across the street from the Happiest Place on Earth! Plus they have them amazing water park!

We were able to arrive at the hotel in the early afternoon which allowed us time to play at the water park for a bit and then hit up Downtown Disney for dinner.

Next day we hit up Disneyland. We rushed over as fast as our little legs to go so we could get in line for Peter Pan. Why does that ride always seem to have the longest line??? It was still at good 40 minute wait and the park had just opened!

We had dinner that evening at my favorite place in the park... Blue Bayou. It was delish!

We love to fit in a good mommy-Noah selfie.

Buzz Lightyear...Noah's favorite ride.

 

The following day we visited California Adventure. It started to rain that afternoon and well into the next morning. Bummer!

 



This place is really starting to grow on us (Redwood Creek Challenge Trail).

xoxo

Birthdays & Love Day

It's Birthday season! The boys birthdays are only 18 days apart so we hosted a family get together to celebrate Noah turning 6 and Elliot turning 3 with a build-your-own-sandwich bar with a Star Wars theme of course. We didn't do much for decorations, but I was able to make a few personalized menu cards for the kids.

 

 

 

 

It was a lot of fun!

 

I also had fun making the boys Valentines this year. We did a Star S'Mores theme.

 

xoxo

 

Random January Happenings

It's been a nice busy-but-low-key January so far. Here's what we've been up to...

I have so much fun making Noah's lunches. I ask him each night what he wants for lunch the following day. #thismomtakesorders #oneluckykid



We wandered around the Town & Country shopping center in Palo Alto the other day. Noah asked for a "brothers" picture so here they are sitting on an $825 pouf. Yes, I said $825! And it was on sale.

Elliot's favorite shark.

These boys had a blast at the Monterey Bay Aquarium over the weekend with their best buddy Cole.

xoxo

Christmas, New Years, Wine Tasting and a Wedding 2015

Time really does go by so fast. It's already January and I can't believe we're now in 2016.

We had so much fun during the Holidays spending time with family and friends. Lots of day trips throughout the Bay Area and time spent with loved ones.

We stood in line waiting to see Santa for over 2 1/2 hours. This may be the last picture with him I'm afraid.

Noah asked if he was the real Santa and Santa said, "well touch my beard. Is it real?" Noah touch his "real" beard and bless his little heart still believes for at least 1 more year if not 10 more. Love that kid!



 

We spent Christmas morning at our place, just the 4 of us, opening presents and then went to Dana & Bart's house for their 2nd annual Christmas dinner.

A few of our Christmas appetizers. Cheese tags download available. Just send me an email.

The beautiful Christmas table setting. Menu template available. Just shoot me an email.

2015 Kandah Christmas Pic

Sibling Pic

The following Monday after Christmas we all went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. After braving the crowds for an hour we thought it best to leave and grab some lunch. #nevergoduringtheholidays

Sitting under the waves. They thought it was hilarious.

Wine Tasting Play Date | We were invited to go wine tasting with some friends at a local winery we'd never visited before. It is such a beautiful property and there were so many amazing photo backdrops.

Silly boys

We spent New Years Eve with family this year and it's our first year in a LONG time we've actually celebrated at midnight and not 9pm. We had a blast and some very gracious hosts!

New Years Eve family photo. #elmoslippersaremakingacomeback

 

Gavia/Stahlke Wedding | When your menu cards are used at your dear friends wedding. AHHH!! SO COOL! The ceremony was so sweet. I think that's the most I've cried at any wedding.

 

The reception was held at Trione Winery which is a beautiful property in Geyserville.  It was so much fun! We even made a music video! I can't wait to see it.

 

So happy for the newlyweds.

 

 

Prom pics?

xoxo

Holiday Projects 2015

The Holidays are here and will be gone before we know it. They really crept up on us this year, but we're ready for Santa!

I've had fun creating some holiday projects for various people in our lives. Here are some of the fun gifts I made for some special people in our lives.

Homemade Spaghetti Seasoning

(I think we have enough seasoning left to last us another 3 years.)

Wedding Menus

Fun personal menus that we hand painted for a dear friends upcoming wedding.

New Year's Tags

Fun children's gift tags for Noah and Elliot's friends. They were a huge hit!

Thanksgiving 2015

We had the pleasure of hosting our family for the first time this year for Thanksgiving. We of course ate too much, but it was so fun to plan the menu, place settings and printables. Here are some pictures from our Thanksgiving.

 

 

 

Homemade & hand painted menus

 

Charcuterie display without the meat (yet).

Charcuterie with meat

Cowgirl Creamery Mt. Tam cheese. SO GOOD!

We're ready to eat!

Quick family pic

One more...

The day after Thanksgiving a few of us decided to head up to the Santa Cruz mountains to cut down a tree at a tree farm. Something I think all of us has wanted to do. It didn't end up happening but we were able to walk around downtown Santa Cruz which is something we all hadn't done in years.

I've just became aware of a coffee house called Verve which we happened to run into in Santa Cruz. It was probably the best Vanilla Latte I've ever had!

Best Vanilla Latter EVER

xoxo