A couple of weeks ago we went to Mrs. Knott’s for dinner.  There is a BOGO in the Entertainment Book.  Since we usually eat out around 5 p.m., we are not used to having to wait to be seated at restaurants.  However, we did have to wait a bit since this place is so popular.  D and I ate one time at the “to-go” annex but have never eaten in the dining room together.  D remembers eating there with his parents once, which was probably over 25 years ago!  We haven’t been to the amusement park part of Knott’s with the kids yet…maybe next year?

The fried chicken dinner is around $16.  It comes with 4 pieces of chicken, 12 biscuits, salad, chicken noodle soup or cherry-rhubarb, mashed potatoes, corn or cabbage and boysenberry sherbet or pie.  That is a ton of food, and we definitely did not have to order separate kids’ meals.

k liked the chicken noodle soup.  We were curious about the cherry-rhubarb, but not curious enough to order it.

n liked the biscuits with butter and jam.

The boysenberry sherbet reminded me of the bumbleberry ice cream we had in Utah.

We took the pie to go.  Isn’t the pie-slice holder so cute?

The fried chicken may not have been as gourmet as Thomas Keller’s, but value-wise, Mrs. Knott’s (especially with the BOGO) cannot be beat!  I am happy to report that Mrs. Knott’s has retained its position on D’s list. 

It’s been a little over a week since k’s last day of preschool.  I still cannot believe that she will be going to Kindergarten in the fall.  k’s preschool had a “June Celebration” performance as a good-bye.  k’s class sang “Dancin’ In the Street”.

k and her teacher.

Next year, n will be up on that stage!

Last weekend we celebrated Father’s Day with my dad at my parents’ house. 

k and n love their “Baba” and I am so thankful he is able to be part of their lives. 

Today we celebrated D’s role as a father.

Before we had kids I wasn’t sure how D would be as a father (no one can really be sure, can they?)  However, I am so grateful that D is a wonderful one, and k and n are very fortunate. 

For Father’s day weekend, one of my gifts from L was allowing me to run by myself wherever I wanted to go. So I decided to go to Crystal Cove a couple of weeks ago. I thought of running along the ocean, but decided against it yesterday after realizing the trail isn’t very long. My co-worker reminded me of El Moro Canyon. I took Jamboree to PCH and then took a left where there is a school and parking for the State Park. The parking lot and facilities are nice and new. Using my State Park pass, which expires this month, the parking was free! I was glad I found the parking and now I just needed to find the trails. After running a little while I ran into a couple of signs and finally figured out where I was going. I ended up taking the El Moro Ridge trail. The trail is really steep at the beginning, but the view of the ocean was amazing. After a steep climb, the trail eases off and it is fairly flat. It was great trail running on dirt and asphalt. I saw a few rabbits that liked to run right in front of you. There weren’t too many people and the weather was perfect; overcast and cool. On the way back, I saw the Laguna Beach mansions on the hills. The downhill was tough on the quads, but the view was well worth it. I think this running trail was the best I have ever been on. It was long and peaceful with beautiful ocean and canyon views. Probably second on my list is Huntington Beach to Newport Beach. It is long and you are right by the ocean; however you are close to a parking lot and it gets crowded. Third is probably 17 mile drive in Pebble Beach. It probably has the best views, but the trail is short before hitting either a golf course or roads. I hope to run this trail again. Maybe an annual Father’s Day tradition. Happy Father’s day to all the fathers out there!

We are winding down on our state park pass, so we wanted to squeeze in a few more trips to the beach.  When we were in the Doheny parking lot, I noticed that the vast majority of cars/trucks had roof racks.  That wasn’t too strange, considering we were at the beach.  But then, as we walked towards the sand, we saw that there was a paddleboarding competition going on.  Now it all made sense!

The race took about an hour.  I was getting tired just waiting for them to return. 

Doesn’t this tattoo look so painful?  As the recipient of two epidurals, I cannot even begin to imagine!

Today was k’s last day of preschool.

Less than two years ago she was headed off to her first day of preschool!

A few days ago I was reading this book to k and n, which I checked out from our church’s library. 

It talks about how we, as parents tend to focus on the “firsts”: first smile, teeth, steps, etc. However, when our kids grow up, we’ll be left thinking about their “lasts”: last time we carried them, last time they crawled into bed with us, etc. When I finished the book, I kind of sighed and remarked, “Isn’t that so sad?” I started to read another book and then I noticed k’s eyes were filled with tears. When I asked her what was wrong the tears spilled out and she couldn’t answer. I guessed that the book made her sad, and she just nodded. I tried to comfort her, telling her that we still have a lot of years left together and she slowly calmed down. What a sensitive little girl k is!

The last line states, “Let me hold on longer, God, to every precious last.”  What a good reminder on those frustrating days that seem like they will never end!

It’s been a while since we celebrated a national food holiday.  Last Friday I took the kids to Krispy Kreme for our free donut in celebration of national donut day. 

We waited in anticipation for the donuts to enter the frosting shower.

I took a risk and ordered the flavor of the month, key lime pie.  Next time I will stick with my tried and true favorite: chocolate frosting with custard filling.

The kids both picked chocolate frosting with sprinkles.

This is how n eats donuts—haha.

Here’s some photos that go with yesterday’s post.  As I mentioned, we had brunch with friends expecting twins in September.  We were able to see their new house, and were spoiled with a delicious egg casserole, muffins and fruit.  n enjoyed his toaster waffles, too.

I think he will make a great dad.  He already has chalk and bubble skills.  k and n now refer to him as “The Bubble Machine”.

Back to Napa, on Sunday we visited the church that D’s parents’ neighbors attend.  We felt very welcome and the kids were able to go to Sunday School.  We also celebrated D’s dad’s 70th birthday.  We chipped in for a gift certificate to Morimoto’s new restaurant in Napa.

D

Sons

Grandkids

For belated Mother’s Day we went to The Fish Story. 

I liked how they brought out carrots and celery for the kids and mini banana muffins in addition to the bread basket.

We shared fish and chips and a shrimp sandwich, which were both very good.

Isn’t this sign on the bathroom so cute?

Grandma and k outside of the restaurant

Back at home we had birthday cake.

In the afternoon D and I were able to do a little outlet shopping.  Then it was time for…you guessed it…more eating!

We went to Il Posto, a new Italian restaurant.

Chicken Parmesan

Kid’s pasta with Papa sauce

Bianco Pizza

Yes, there was a lot of good eating that weekend.  But there was also a lot of good visiting with family and friends.