Life of Larisa or LOL

...not that he is old enough to ride anything (but I must note that he is almost tall enough...scary). As has become a new tradition, we attend the Central Oahu Regional Park Fair the night it opens. So far, for the past three years we have been able to avoid a huge irritating crowd this way. We barely stood in any lines. This years fair was filled with the usual games, rides (minus the ferris wheel), and fried food (fried Snickers!!). Zach took it all in and seemed to enjoy himself (minus a stroller pinching incident). He looked eager to try all the things big brother was trying. Sigh. Soon we will be spending triple digits for a night out of kid entertainment. Gabe had fun riding the "roller coaster" with me. And I did too. Very symbolic of how life with an almost nine year old is right now. There's something about cheesy rides and junk food at the fair that bring out everyone's childish charms. As we drove past the fair being torn down over the next few days, I thi...

...you are probably wondering where all the beer photos are. Yes, we went to a brewery. Yes, we drank beer. But, we also had some really delicious food. Date nights are happening less and less these days. We've been overwhelmed with a pre-walker. Last night was a much needed, and deserved I might add, break from being frazzled, screaming, stinky, stressed parents. After dropping off the boys, we headed towards town. Initially our plan was to check out the new and improved Nicos. But when Isom missed the street, I devised a new plan to go to Sam Choy's (he's never been!). And then the beer gods intervened. As we pulled into the Valet parking, there was a beautiful sight to behold. A glowing sign for beer. We decided to try someplace new. Aloha Beer Company is a nice beer gem in the city! We were greeted by friendly hostesses. Promptly taken to a table up front where we enjoyed live music. Our experience from start to finish was delicious. There are cute lounge areas perfect ...

...if only I had kept these puppies in the oven for an additional three minutes. But with Lil Chef squawking in my ear, I became side tracked. But, these (ever so slightly undercooked) muffins can be salvaged with a dollop of Cool Whip (that just so happened to be in my fridge...leftover from the Banana Nilla Wafer cake). So rest assured, if you too live with a distracting squawker, you can revive this pumpkin muffin! This is another two ingredient recipe from Pinterest. Pumpkin Pie filling. Cake Mix. Two ingredients I just so happened to have on hand. This recipe is perfect for those who a)want to bake b)have less than zero time c)like the smell of pumpkin d)are on weight watchers e)love pumpkin pie (thats what these muffins taste like!) Not only did I take the kids to Gymboree, hang out with a friend and walk, make dinner, do the dishes...I baked muffins! When you find yourself craving Thanksgiving in the middle of summer and only have one hand available, make this recipe! ...

Okay, it's a terrible name. Something that rolls off the tongue and sounds cuter would make me happier to blog about this cake. I saw this recipe on, you guessed it...Pinterest. It reminded me of the amazing Nilla (yes the VA has been stripped from the title) wafer banana pie that I remember from childhood BBQs. As with all Pinterest recipes that I copy, this one is easy to make. It is the perfect dessert potluck item. And you might impress the other guests with your amazing culinary skills. Ingredients: Yellow cake mix Banana pudding Cool whip Nilla Wafers Banana (optional...makes for a cute garnish with one Nilla Wafer on top) If you are a cakeaholic like me, you are already envisioning all the various versions this easy breezy dessert recipe has to offer. I foresee a chocolate coconut version in the near future...to be broadcast on the blog for all to enjoy of course. An additional note---Isom, who does not indulge in sweets, ate multiple pieces. It's a winner.

Roadtrippin in the family truckster with Clark at the wheel. Wasn't this a movie? Yes. Vacation...with Chevy Chase. And last week we lived it. With the exception of strapping old Aunt Edna to the roof of the car, I'd say we nailed our roles as The Griswolds. When you start your family vacation being pushed by your eight year old in a wheelchair through a busy airport at the crack of dawn while your husband pushes your fussy ten month old in a stroller while carrying all the luggage...you know it's gonna be a vacation for the memory books. I felt quite accomplished that I survived my wheelchair frisk at the airport and narrowly escaped death by wall with Gabe going full speed and unable to see (or care) where he was pushing me. We made it through security and check-in and then the airplane gods shined down on us. We scored an entire row for me, Isom, and Zach with Gabe one row ahead of us. Yay for room for roaming baby and hurt leg propping. Upon arrival to the desert, we we...