Life of Larisa or LOL

Maybe you are familiar with the blog that led to the book of the same name? Maybe you are familiar because this is the life you are experiencing as well? I am participating in another monthly Internet photo challenge (Instagram I heart you) and while taking snap shots throughout my day and deciding what to post for each days challenge, I realized that a good majority of my photos were of, yep, crap my kid has ruined. All with that devilish grin we have grown to love. Today it was a half a roll of toilet paper. The bright side: he knows that toilet paper goes in the toilet...just not the amount. But actually, this is not something I think the nine year old fully grasps yet. Also, as part of what makes the day to day of life with a thirteen month old fun, finding enough snack food to feed a small village in the carseat. Oh, and let's not forget a library worth of books that even Goodwill scoffs at now---Every. Single. Page. Torn. Or should I say eaten? Zach's favorite food is pap...

Beer. Dessert. Live Music. Out with friends. Perfect. The second stop last night was the best. This was my first trip to REAL a Gastropub. I am pleased to report that this place gets an "A" in all areas---service: the bartender had wit, recommendations, and charm. Atmosphere: chalkboard menus, wood floor, white lights surrounding a quaint outdoor drinking zone, live blues music in the corner. Beer: oatmeal coffee stout. Happy camper here. And countless IPA's to choose from, along with fun chalice glasses. Dessert: bacon cheesecake. Although I don't eat meat, the presentation was beautiful, the idea is genius, and my friend was close to licking the plate. I enjoyed a mini blueberry pie that actually is a great compliment to beer. Music: live, free, Mustang Sally...and while the band was on hiatus, I could have sworn they stole my iPod and were playing my weekend playlist. For the beer, music, and dessert lover, this is the place to be. Good thing I consider myself all ...

...certainly plenty of that going on while Tutu was visiting. These are the lyrics to what would be her theme song. Mine would probably be eat, watch, laugh...looks like we have the smile part in common then. We were sad to say bon voyage to Tutu last night. We weren't sad to eat a special meal prepared for the occasion however. Isom's first ever attempt at eggplant parmesan was a home run. So even though our hearts were sad, our stomachs were happy. We were so lucky to have Tutu travel out for Zach's first birthday. She got to enjoy the rockstar party we put on for him, witness Gabe in his role as JPO, see Isom fix up our backyard, and me be exhausted from my role as mom to two boys. We had so much fun over the last two weeks. Greek Festival, NEX shopping, Thai Food and froyo dinners, five mile walks, Fireworks...it sure will seem boring with Tutu back at her house.

The last few days of Tutu's bi-annual visit are upon us. Yesterday we enjoyed our Sunday Brunch together at the Hale Ikena on Ft. Shafter. In the recent past, Gabe has been the buffet superstar, wowing us with his six plates of bacon capabilities. He gets his money worth. This visit, Zach proved himself to be a very worthy adversary for big brother. He tried new things like bacon and papaya and devoured old favorites like potato, sausage, and waffles. I know it sounds like we feed our boys a bunch of crap. But, really we don't. It was a special brunch occasion that warranted the morning gluttony. As for us adults, Isom drank his weight in coffee (they serve the best brew here), and I never met a carb I didn't like. Rounding out the pancakes, French toast, and chocolate covered strawberries was our brunch dessert platter---carrot cake, chocolate mousse, chocolate cake, and tapioca pudding. I plan on going for a run everyday this week...and looking into how the boys can get a...

I always enjoy out of town friends/family visiting. It's an opportunity to play in town and Waikiki, and my favorite part---eat out. Last night we were on the town with Tutu at the Yardhouse. We followed that up with a walk on the beach and Friday night fireworks sponsored by the Hilton. Our dinner was delicious and it was Zach's first time eating a kids meal---buttered pasta. He loved it. Covered the floor and Isom with it, but loved it. Looks like I have two good eaters on my hands. We will be taking donations of food to feed these hungry boys when they hit high school. Thanks in advance.