Christmas

Christmas Eve

My cousin Martin, whom I haven't seen in 20 years,

came to stay with us for a couple of weeks during the holidays.

It was so much fun getting to know him and taking him sight-seeing

around southern Cal. This was too beautiful a day to not be

outside so we opted for a beach tour of Santa Barbara.

Dinner at the Pereyras (my other cousins) was excellent!

Christmas Day

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care

Pancakes and eggs for breakfast - yuuuuummm

Drinking out of the mugs from our holiday china set

(thanks Lynn!)

Dad is usually the one who plays Santa Claus and hands

out the presents. His jolly personality makes him the

perfect candidate for the job. We love our Santa!

What family gathering would be complete without

a little Bailey's to warm the insides? Served chilled

over ice, mixed with a nice cup of hot coffee, or my personal

favorite - mint flavored Baileys over hot chocolate - it

makes for a wonderful addition to any occasion.

SO good!

Family time, fun time.

In Memoriam

Two weeks before Christmas, my dad's older (and only) brother Bob found out that he had Pancreatic Cancer. It progressed much quicker than anyone expected and sadly, we lost him just before Christmas. We have all been in such a state of shock, though we have ultimately been grateful for his quick release from suffering.

We didn't have the privilege of living close by to Bob and his family, but there are two recent memories that I am most thankful for. One is the family reunion we had for the Celebration of Life in honor of my grandparents after they passed away in 2005. It was rare to have us all together like that, and it was a beautiful day of sharing. The other memory is that of our wedding, which Bob and Laura came to share with us. It meant so much to have them there and it made our day that much more special.

My uncle was a good man. As a father he raised four wonderful children who all now have families of their own. As a son he cared for his parents, and was there with them every day toward the end of their lives, when they needed him most. As a citizen he served our country in the Vietnam War. As a college professor he touched the lives of countless students, and as a human being he led a life well lived.

We will miss you dearly Bob, and look forward to someday seeing you again in the eternal life. Until then, you remain with us in memory and in spirit. May you rest in peace and as Andy so perfectly put it, "may the bird watching be better on the other side."

Winter Fun

Mom's birthday dinner at Cheesecake Factory

Stacey's Birthday - the night the "spinning Kolbe"

was invented. Holy moly, was that hilarious.

Cookies I made for the student helpers in our office,

since they are awesome!

Dad performing with the St. Julie's choir in their

Christmas program. They did a wonderful job!