Christmas Choo Choo

Ernie has progressed through the stages of Elmo fandom to its inevitable conclusion: becoming Elmo.

Ern jammed out with Ms. Nancy on Mercer Island again today.

We checked out the Christmas decorations, cool train setup, and exotic flora of Volunteer Park Conservatory.

Zoe and her work friend Miriam were both in attendance.

I was happy to visit another new restaurant on the Eater list of Seattle deliciousness:

"The cuisine of Laos takes center stage at Capitol Hill's Taurus Ox thanks to three chefs, Sydney Clark, Khampaeng Panyathong, and Jenessa Sneva, with strong Seattle dining pedigrees. The tiny counter-service shop recently upgraded to this full-service home, where dishes such as thom khem and chicken laap continue to benefit from local produce and a whole-animal approach to butchery. Don't miss the Lao pork sausage, fragrant with lemongrass and lime leaf, or one of the city's best patties, a smash burger made with pork jowl bacon and jaew tomato sauce. (This burger became so popular the team opened a burger-only place, Ox Burger.) For another rare treat, pair it with a locally made sato, or Laotian rice wine, from Village Ghost."

Had me at "rare treat".

VILLAGE GHOST

At Village Ghost we put tradition and culture into everything we do. With our handcrafted Lao Sato, we make no exception. following Mom's recipe using quality rice, yeast and water.

With each sip get transported to the remote villages of Southeast Asia where the tradition of making rice wine has been practiced for centuries. Drink, smile and laugh. celebrating memories of the past while creating new ones.

Cheers and Huk Pang Gun!

Drawing you in with floral aromas you will taste hints of apple, asian pear, and honey. Village Ghost Sato has a nice balance of acidity, creating a bright and smooth finish.

I've been playing Alan Wake 2. It is like a blend of X Files and Twin Peaks and it is a masterpiece.

Momo

Today the three of us were eating dinner and I finished my food first. Ernie pointed at my empty plate and said "Momo" which is his "more", as in "go get more food". He uses that word a lot to ask for more food for himself, but it's the first time he's ever noticed I was out of food or commented on it. We were playing a game a few days ago and I was holding a tunnel thing over his head while he walked around. Anytime I stopped I would get plenty of "momo, momo". That was a new usage as well. It's fun to watch him grow and get so smart.

 

How I Wonder

Ernie is funny with star shapes. When he saw one it used to be he'd sing the "how I wonder what you are" part of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star". Now he's gotten more efficient and just calls stars "how I"s. It's very cute.

Ernie's haircut place is so fun that he's usually pretty pissed off when it's time to leave.

People were complaining that the other 8 beer related Christmas ornaments we have weren't enough so I had to buy one more. To be fair our McMenamins journey has been extensive and worth remembering I think so why not have a reminder on the tree?

Zoo then Mall

Wake up! It's time to go to the zoo!

Stick bugs are great: they combine the fun of both sticks and bugs.

There's a good indoor kid's area that's just about worth the price of the membership alone.

Who's the animal now?

Bellevue Square Mall often has these photo booth things set up that are delightfully bad at doing their job. I never pass up the opportunity.

The giant video wall thing that responds to movement, on the other hand, is peak.

There was a long line outside my ramen spot Kizuki for some reason today. Oh well.