HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

More Trains on the Brain

So after dim sum, we headed on to Travel Town, where there are lots of old trains to climb aboard. We've gone to a few birthday parties here that were held in old coaches, but Tanner wasn't even walking the last time we came. He had much more fun this time!

Grandma, Cody & Carissa (Tanner was sleeping!)

The boys kept asking where Thomas was, but when we finally convinced them that he wasn't there, they accepted it and enjoyed playing in and around the trains.

Look at how little Tanner is compared to that wheel!

Dim Sum

One of the things Ansell's family introduced me to when I moved down to L.A. was dim sum. YUM! It's one of my favorite things to do when we go back for a visit!

We usually go to Empress Pavilion in Chinatown. Here are the "cart ladies" who bring all the delicious little dishes to your table.

This one fries up pot stickers, turnip cake, or taro cake right next to your table!

Carissa, Terry, and my father-in-law enjoying the food and tea. Even the boys love it! Their favorite things are the spongy meatballs (bottom right) and the crispy noodles (haven't arrived yet). Mmmmm!

Volunteer Work

No, I'm not getting all Angelina Jolie (I wish!), but volunteer work in my world consists of working in Cody's classroom. Parents are required to "volunteer" for 3 hours a month or work out some other way to help out. Are "required" and "volunteer" allowed to be in the same sentence (unless it's court ordered!)? haha! Anyway, I have helped in the class twice now, and I LOVE IT!!! The students are so cute, and they do lots of kids' projects! YAY!!!

The Bagel Cafe!

About a decade ago, Kimi, Michelle, and I took a trip down to Santa Barbara to visit Dio while she was attending the university. Kimi had gone to school there as well, so she also knew the area. Dio was a terrific host, and we had such a great time hiking, shopping, and EATING! One of the places Dio & Kimi took us was called The Bagel Cafe. They served up different kinds of bagel delights, but Kimi and Dio recommended their favorite, which consists of bagel, cream cheese, tomato slices, lemon pepper, and cheddar cheese (in that order) broiled to perfection! YUM! Kimi is really good when it comes to asking about ingredients, and she always recreates the dishes at home. That is how I learned how to make it! Dio was shocked when I recently told her that I make it for my family, and we all call it Bagel Cafe!

P.S. If you try this at home, bake it for 8-10 minutes, until the cheese melts, then broil it and watch it like a hawk until the cheese gets a little crispy. Then let it cool a bit, because the tomato and cheese will be like hot lava pouring into your mouth!
P.P.S. Sorry so long, but wanted to give Dio and Kimi their props!!!