Christmas 2010

Christmas was spent in California this year. It's not a bad place to spend Christmas--just different. Christmas is definitely a time best spent with family, and being so far away can be isolating at times.

BUT, we are making our own traditions. Like buying a new ornament every year, and going to watch a movie on Christmas day.

Ed and Ralph helped us celebrate too...they like the new puppy dog welcome sign Tony's parents gave us!

Ed is the one with the ribbon.

Did you know Ed was an alien? Photographic evidence below.

Kee also enjoys Christmas--can't you tell?

Ralph's givin' me his best puppy dog eyes. It helps me forget Crappaggedon 2010, which I'll have to tell you about in person if you don't already know. Let's just say it was bad enough to make Tony vomit, and for me to dry heave continuously for about 15 minutes.

All lit up!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and holiday season!

Winter In Ohio

I went home to Ohio for a few days, sans Tony thanks to a new job (yeah!) and few leave hours.

It was a good trip, all in all, though not as relaxing as I had initially planned--though things rarely are. Apparently it's unacceptable to be 25 and stay in your pajamas all day for 5 days straight, though Lord knows I wanted to.

It was very snowy and VERY cold the entire time I was there. I've become a total wimp living in south Texas and southern California for over 6 years now. Sigh.

We celebrated an early Christmas as a family by putting up the tree, exchanging some gifts and having a proper Christmas supper.

This is my mom's favorite ornament. The tree is utterly incomplete without it.

This is my favorite ornament, my mom made it way back in the day.

Our creche completes the holiday decor--built by my grandfather back in the 70s.

Oh yes, it was a joyous time on Meadowview Dr!

I got to spend some time with my granny too, which is always never enough.

Dad got some good napping in...and yes, this really is how he sleeps. Like a corpse.

I finished my stay in Ohio by attending a cocktail party and visiting some old, dear friends.

Deer in headlights :).

Happy Holidays!

Technical Difficulties

Hey Guys,

I've been having trouble uploading photos for the past few weeks. As you can see from my last post, the photos don't look normal.

Bear with me!

Happy holidays!

Lisa

Ballooning

Hello there.

I'm an official honorary aeronaut.

Why, you may ask, do I have such a title?

It's 'cause I went up in a hot air balloon. High over the Temecula countryside, with Ambo and Shaza.

Sweet Birthday Breakfast!

Thanksgiving 2010

I know, it's a little late.

Bear with me. I had a very demanding fellowship application due this past Wednesday, and all other things took a backseat.

Thanksgiving this year was wonderful. Tony's parents came in from Missouri, and we had several days of relaxing, cooking, eating and antique shopping.

My mom and dad were there in spirit too--my mom, knowing the necessity of a good holiday centerpiece, had one delivered from the local florist.

We had a big dinner Thanksgiving day, with all the fixin's.

Tony's busy cutting the turkey :).

My best bud Amber came over and made the holiday complete!

Tony's mom and dad, relaxing before dinner.

Such a great holiday!

Ed and Ralph's Adventure to Iron Mountain

Ed: "Oh Gosh Oh Gosh Oh Gosh!!! I'm in the CAAARR!!!"

Ralph: "I think I'm gonna live up to my name... *Burp*"

Ed: "Oh Gosh Oh Gosh Oh Gosh!!! I'm OUTSIIIIDEEE!!!"

Ralph: "Just stick close to me, brother..."

Tonester.

Ed: "Oh Gosh Oh Gosh Oh Gosh!!! I love DAD!!!"

Ralph: "Oh Gosh Oh Gosh Oh Gosh!!! I love Dad TOO!!!"

Whew. 1/4 mile in 90F heat = thirsty puppies.

Ed: "Oh Gosh Oh Gosh Oh Gosh!!! I love TREES!!!"

Ralph: "Knock it off, Ed. You're trying to overshadow the attention I'm about to get from Dad, and I don't like it!"

Exhaustion.

Saffron (Kee) is indifferent.

Long legged boys!