Back but not ready to go.

We got back from California on New Years Eve around 7:30 PM. Kristi was so sweet and had dinner waiting for us when we got home. I have a lot of catching up to do so this may jump around a lot.

Christmas was wonderful. Ron finished the rocking toys just under the wire. I was painting Abigail's name at 6:00 AM Christmas morning. Ron made her a rocking train, which she loves. I think she sat in it every way possible on Christmas day. Katie-bug got a rocking lady-bug, and she loves it too.

Friday was the LONG car ride to see Nick & Lindsay. We got there about 9:00 PM California time (10:00 for us). Friday night was a short visit and them off to bed.

Saturday Kokomo and Donovan modeled the t-shirts we sent them the beginning of December. Then it was off to the beach to try to (emphasis on try) throw a bottle into the ocean. Needless to say, the bottle one.

Saturday evening we watched Mixed Nuts and had Potato soup for dinner.

Sunday we went to the Monterey Aquarium. They have some interesting sea life there. The jelly fish were my favorite. Them it was lunch at Bubba Gumps. The shrimp was fantastic. Lori and I shared the shrimp heaven. It was fried shrimp. coconut shrimp, tempura shrimp, and peel and eat shrimp. It came with cole slaw and fries. Perfect for 2 people.

Monday we went to the oldest working lighthouse on the Pacific coast. It was much shorter than one would think. The reason it is so short has to do with the fog in Monterey Bay. If it was taller the ships would not see the light because of the fog.

Monday Night we ordered Pizza and sat outside by the fire pit and played Catch Phrase. Girls against Guys. I'm not sure who won. But it was probably Ron and Nick.

I made pineapple upside down cake on Monday for Nick. (it is one of his favorites) I think he had the biggest piece.

Tuesday morning we said our goodbyes to Nick and Lindsay and headed to Solvang. We took Highway 1 which made the ride about 5 1/2 hours instead of 4. But it was worth it.

Tuesday late afternoon we walked around Solvang and shopped a little. Very little as most of the store close at 5:00, and the rest at 5:30. We ate dinner at the Little Mermaid Inn. We all had pork in different varieties. Mine and Lori's came with red cabbage and pickled cucumbers. The red cabbage was perfect, just like Mom's recipe. What surprised me were the cucumbers. They tasted just like the ones my Dad used to pickle. (remember the big jar in the refrigerator) Wednesday morning Lori and I had abelskiever for breakfast. She really liked them and wants me to teach her to make them. Then it was the last of the shopping and a few pictures.

We had a great time. So you can see why I am NOT ready to go back to work on Monday.