Harbor Cruise With Family and Lights

Thanks to Kelly's mom, Rita, we all went on a Newport Harbor cruise last weekend. It was a fun night. We ate, drank, looked at the remaining Christmas lights and just had good fun. The yacht had three decks, and where were we? We sat out on the only outdoor deck. Although the view was pretty, it was cold. That will explain why we are so bundled in the pictures. But Kelly and I had such a great time spending time with the Pharis' and Kotlar's.

Happy Birthday To Me!

Well, it was really two nights ago, but it's kind of hard to go out and celebrate on Christmas Day. But it's okay, I just get to celebrate on multiple days. This year Kelly took me to The Melting Pot in Brea. I have been wanting to go there for almost three years, so I'm glad we finally made it. Everything was so yummy...it was a great experience...we're definitely going back!

I Can't Believe Christmas is Over

Just like that...poof...it's done. After weeks of preparation, Christmas came and went. And by noticing the last time I did a post, we've been pretty busy. We had family come from out of town, numerous parties and family to visit with. We got together with Kelly's Pharis side last Sunday to go look at Christmas lights in Naples. It's something we try to do every year, but it happens mostly every other year...it was fun. We then got together with Kelly's immediate family and the Miller side on Monday for Christmas Eve. We had a yummy dinner at Lisa & Tim's and participated in our first ever gift exchange game. It was so much fun watching Alexis open her Christmas gifts. Although technically this is her second Christmas, it's the first one she was able to participate in and enjoy. We spent Christmas day with my family, and boy was it a busy day. We made stops at four homes that day, and visited two of the homes twice! But we got to see everyone and had plenty to eat. My mom and I even braved the after-Christmas sales. Today, Kelly and I are getting everything in order for our trip to Monterrey and Kelly's stay in Sacramento. But we're also celebrating my birthday tonight...I guess I forgot to mention that occasion came and went along with Christmas. 

You Know It's Christmas Time

When it's your last day of work for the year. I know, not everyone gets a week+ off for the holidays, but I do. It's one of the small perks of being a public servant...holidays! I even get a little more time off this year since Kelly and I are going to Monterey on the way to Sacramento. A bitter-sweet, but I'm sure fun trip. Today is also the first day of winter, that means only 4 days until Christmas. Are you done with all your Christmas shopping? We ate a Cheesecake Factory last night and the parking lot was full of people getting their shopping done. I am so grateful that I'm not one of them. And I'm sorry if you're one of those last minute shoppers, but hang in there, Christmas is almost here. And on that note, here are some Christmas pictures of Carson.

Christmas is Almost Here

And we are officially ready for it with only 8 days to go! Christmas cards are in the mail, we've had both our work Christmas parties and all the presents have been wrapped. What else is left? Although I enjoy shopping, it was nice to not have to do it. Instead, we decorated my mom's house. Kelly and I even surprised her with a Christmas tree!

Our 2007 Christmas Picture

With only 14 days left until Christmas, we finally took our annual Christmas picture last night. The one posted here isn't the one we're using for our cards, but it was a close runner-up. But I thought I would give you a sneak preview. My plan is to get the cards in the mail this weekend, so keep an eye on your mailbox next week. We finished our Christmas shopping this past weekend, so now it's wrapping time! We also attended our first Christmas party of the season. My manager hosted the office Christmas party at her home last Friday. Kelly and I had a great time mingling, eating, drinking and playing games with my co-workers and their spouses. This Friday is Kelly's work Christmas party, his last one with the company, it will be bittersweet. Well, 'tis the season and we love parties!

Update

Wow hump day already. Seems like it was just Friday. Oh well. News on my front is all is well at home. By the way for those who do not know I will be leaving my current employer at the end of this month. I have been offered a spot at the chino men’s prison as a correctional officer. Their academy is up by Sacramento and will be starting next month. Their correctional academy runs thru the end in April so looks like I will be gone till at least the beginning of May. (Just in time for Liz and my anniversary.) I hope all is well with everyone and wish me luck. I am going to try and keep in touch thru here but if not I am sure Liz will keep you guys updated on my status. I will miss you all.

Smelling the Roses

And even better than that, beating UCLA! Yes, USC did it. It wasn't a beautiful win, I had an upset stomach the entire first half, but it was a win in the end. They not only beat UCLA they are officially playing in the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day. Hum, is that three years in a row? Victory is always sweeter when it's the Bruins. But it's also bittersweet because that means no more college football until 2008. At least there is Christmas to look forward to...only 22 more days!