Christmas Wrap-Up

We had an excellent Christmas this year. We spent about a week in Southern California with my family and were able squeeze in some wonderful visits with friends Scott, Melissa, Eric and Gail. We discovered wonderful new sushi, burger and pizza places along the way. Good stuff.

We were also able to visit Steve's brother Philip, our sister-in-law Jenny and their two boys. Steve and Philip helped our nephew Gavin try out a grow-your-own crystal kit. Our nephew Colin grabbed me by the hand pretty soon after clearing the front door so I would come and observe their awesome new marbleworks set-up. Like us, Philip and Jenny bought a house last year, so it's always fun to talk (and complain) about house projects.

A rundown of Christmas food, preparations and celebrations with my family...

Food Traditions

Steve and I make olive sandwiches with my mom's impressive Christmas village in the background:

The olive sandwiches are a slurry of cheese, olives and green onions scooped into hollowed-out french rolls. They're one of my absolute favorite foods. Steve and I made batches to leave with my parents and for my brother to take home (as well as keeping some for ourselves, of course).

Steve plates my favorite appetizer (cream cheese mixed with mild green chilies, served on crackers) for my Grandma:

Close up of said appetizer:

Preparations and Celebrations

Dad, Mom and I decorate the tree at my parents' house:

Grandma, Mom and I relax by the fire at my Grandparents' house after Christmas Eve service:

My dad (Steve and my brother looking on) opens his Christmas Eve gift (of pajamas):

My brother assembles a small Lego truck kit he got in his Christmas stocking on Christmas Day:

No matter how old you get, there's really no Christmas without Legos.

Steve and I relax by the fire on Christmas day:

And finally, Steve tends the fire... with flair:

That's what I get for warning him before I take the picture.

We returned to Santa Cruz to drop off the bunnies at home before heading up to Sacramento to have lunch with friends Jack and Amanda. We were also able to spend an evening with Steve's parents along with Steve's brother Edward & family and Steve's sister Natalie & family.

Apparently Jack and Amanda hadn't gotten enough of us over lunch, so they drove through Santa Cruz on their way back to Arizona and spent the night.

It's always a bit of a let-down to be back at work, but at least we had a great break.