Christmas Time

This year, and last, I flew solo to California for the holiday to see my family. The holiday is crazy for Paul at work and thus he couldn't get away. Every time I go "home" (I guess I will always call it that), my parents always make me feel so welcome and cater to my every whim while staying. Maybe it is because I only get to visit several times a year now that I moved away to Oregon. Christmas this year was like going back to the core of our family unit (not counting the fact that there is now a toddler around to get into any and every thing). I made my parents a video of old pictures back from my parent's wedding up to our own weddings and grandchildren. It was great to remember the fun times we have had over the years. I also got to spend some quality time with my sisters. My sister Dena and I went on a serene bike ride through the park in Modesto. She has a beautiful cruiser (see pic) and we had a great time snapping photos and talking about nothing in particular. Another highlight of my trip was getting together with a group of girlfriends I have had for over 20 years. A few are onto their second or third child while others are married without kids (me) or single. They are the kind of friends that you may not see or talk to often, but when you get together, you pick up like no time has passed at all. We went to the Elephant Bar and took over the corner booth for more than two hours. The baby in the pic is Katie's two week old - Katie is sitting in the left, front.

While I am on the subject of babies...my sisters son Hunter is quite a cutie. He can finally associate "Auntie Erica" and point to me, which is great since I don't get to see him often. He is just about ready to start talking - I can't wait until the darnedest things start spilling out!

The gift exchanges were full of action this year with an abundance of stealing causing lots of strategy and laughter. The only thing missing was my grandma (who passed away a few weeks earlier). We all laughed when we remembered several Christmases ago when she called my dad a "shit ass" (excuse her language) because he stole the gift she had; it was the only time most had ever heard her use such language.

Even as I reflect a few days later, I smile. Cristmas was perfect.