Look at who greeted me when I woke up from my nap on Sunday afternoon.
House of Big Fish & Ice Cold Beer
For OC Restaurant Week this year, we went to House of Big Fish & Ice Cold Beer in Laguna. It is run by the same people as K’ya Bistro, so we had high expectations. Unfortunately, we made reservations for Saturday lunch, and apparently there was a parade going on. Now, it’s not fun to find parking in Laguna. Add in beautiful weather, a weekend and a parade, and it was just a disaster. We almost gave up, but fortunately, we were able to make our way to the underground parking lot (look for the blue and white “Connection” parking sign) and they validate for 1.5 hours. Plus, the guy that was there was like the friendliest parking attendant I have ever encountered.
We shared tilapia and fish & chips. The tilapia also came with a cup of clam chowder.
We were debating whether to order a kid’s meal too, but these two entrees were plenty for our entire family. (n barely counts, though, since he was mostly interested in the butter packets and fries). Surprisingly, k liked the tilapia. Who knew? The fish and chips were not greasy, but very filling. We did not parktake in the “ice cold beer” but I’ve read that this place gets pretty lively at night. Daytime was perfectly fine for kids, though. 
The restaurant is on the second floor, and overlooks PCH and the ocean. k and n had fun looking down at the street.
Totally felt like summer.
For some reason, n wanted to walk around with his hands in his pockets.
Citrus Ranch Park Hike
This past weekend we “hiked” up the hill at Citrus Ranch Park. It is an easy, short incline, perfect for little kids. k still felt triumphant when she reached the top and declared it “so beautiful”.
n still wanted to be carried part of the way. D’s next obsession seems to be hiking, so we’ll see how much we can get the kids involved.
Sacramento Kings of Anaheim
All these rumors got me thinking. If the Sacramento Kings moved to Anaheim, which teams would I follow?
Broken down the four MSAs I lived in…
San Francisco MSA
Cal Bears Football/Basketball
San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco Giants
Los Angeles MSA
Los Angeles Angeles of Anaheim
Sacramento Kings of Anaheim
Indianapolis MSA
Indiana Hoosiers Football/Basketball
Sacramento MSA
N/A
Fun in a Box
I’ve been enjoying my free Amazon Mom Prime Membership, but it is set to expire at the beginning of next month. I’ve been able to get some really good deals on diapers, too. Last week I ordered 1 box of pull-ups and a wall map of the world. I think Amazon could be a little more efficient with their packaging: 
The box was big enough to fit k and n with room enough for a few more kids!
College Roomie Reunion
My best friend from Berkeley got married and moved to Pennsylvania. She came back for a visit this past weekend, so we had a mini reunion with my senior year roommates.
I finally got to meet her daughter, who is almost one. 
What a cutie, and so animated!
She brought us some regional goodies, too. Fudge and pumpkin butter…yum! It was fun seeing everyone again!
San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary
I don’t want to complain too much, since I know most of the country is freezing right now, but it was a bit too sunny for our Saturday morning outing to San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine. There was not a cloud in the sky and it was just too hot for an enjoyable stroll.
However, we did see a bunny, several small lizards, and this little guy:
The best part was probably resting on a bench under the shade. n liked his snack:
There were a lot of ducks, but I expected to see more birds. Here is one unique one I spotted. 
There was also a big one (sorry, don’t know my bird names) that swooped over our heads in a pretty dramatic fashion. Other than that, nothing too exciting. Maybe they are somewhere else for the winter.
It was an easy walk for kids (flat), but we’ll wait for a more overcast non-winter day to go again. At least parking is free (although limited)!
Valentine’s Day Eats
D and I celebrated Valentine’s Day early by going out for brunch at Old Vine Cafe yesterday. It is located in The Camp, which neither one of us had ever been to. I enjoyed the eclectic vibe and it was nice to eat outdoors under the heat lamp. The only thing I didn’t care for was that the tables were so close together (although I guess that is necessary since the restaurant is pretty small).
Of course, I did my research beforehand, so I decided on the Open-Faced (Fresh Biscuit, Spicy Sausage, Scrambled Eggs, Chipotle Gravy with Potatoes) and steered D to the Omelet Espana (Sautéed Prosciutto, Artichoke Hearts, Red Bell Peppers, Shitake Mushrooms & Fresh Manchego Cheese). D’s came with toast, so he chose the house-made English muffin and kiwi preserves. We shared, and came away quite satisfied.
The brunch even made D’s list, bumping off Original Pancake House. :0
For tonight’s dinner, I made a heart-shaped pizza with heart-shaped salami.
1st Cal QB to win a Super Bowl
Aaron Rodgers is the 1st Cal QB to win a Super Bowl! And he was MVP. At 27, he should have more chances to win another!
FYI: Isaiah Thomas (former Hoosier) won NBA Finals MVP in 1990.
Surf City USA 2011
Praise God! Philippians 4:13
My sixth and (final?) half-marathon was a PR. My goal since 2010 was to break 1:50 in the half. I ran a half in October, however I didn’t even match my former PR of 1:52:53. This time, the weather cooperated; cool and overcast. I didn’t follow the 1:50 pacer, because I was in a slower corral. However, at mile 5 I followed a group of runners who was running my pace. At mile 10, two fell off pace, but I followed one who kept going at the pace I needed. I started cramping up a little at mile 10 and then at mile 12, when I thought I could turn it up a notch. At mile 13, I out kicked my pacer and finished in 1:48:11.
I just finished a double double, fries and coke. And I am not finished yet!