Cousin Evan came through town for an interview at USC for residency in anesthesia. We grabbed lunch at In-N-Out, then Evan helped me make dinner for...
...applicant social #2! The menu consisted of baked ziti, cranberry oat bread, chocolate fondue, salad with balsamic vinaigrette, garlic bread, and homemade butter pecan ice cream.
Adam and I had our inaugural holiday decorating evening complete with take-out Thai food, hanging ornaments on the tree, and watching the Christmas classic Die Hard.
Adam's mom Cathy kicked off family holiday festivities by visiting us in Long Beach. She gave me an amazing sewing machine tutorial! Can't wait to start stitching on a bigger scale.
Adam's dad Mark soon joined us for barbecue in Seal Beach and a stroll near the pier.
The four of us drove down to San Diego where Cathy and I did some last-minute Christmas shopping including a stop at See's candy.
Adam's aunt Marcia and her husband Rich also joined us in the rented townhouse, which had to be decorated to get into the holiday spirit. Adam and I made a Christmas Eve run to a tree lot and picked out the best tree (after much indecision on my part).
We hung lights, strung popcorn, crafted a construction paper garland, and piled presents under the tree.
Christmas Eve dinner at Newport Pizza & Ale House in Ocean Beach.
While nothing replaces Christmas Eve traditions in North Idaho, this December 24th was unforgettable. I went to the late service at beautiful Christ Lutheran Church. After a goosebump-producing soloist's rendition of O Holy Night, the congregation sang Away in a Manger. Next thing I know, my purse vibrates with news that Sarah was Away in the Hospital in labor!
Brimming with anticipation, I could hardly wait for the news that would make me an aunt. In the wee hours of Christmas morning the good news arrived: a boy!
Living up to his namesake (Grandpa Elmer Henry Breckenfelder), little Henry Joseph Brehm made his surprise appearance on Christmas and was the best gift of the season.
I can't wait to visit Sarah, Paul and my new nephew next month!
Back in San Diego Adam and I wore our new Christmas pajamas and dug into our stockings.
Aunt Marcia was the big scratch ticket winner- raking in all the winnings: $15!
Christmas day was complete with a screening of Love Actually, decorating gingerbread houses, and eating delicious slow-roasted prime rib with a side of party potatoes.
Adam and I spent the rest of the holiday vacation enjoying the area with a bike ride through Pacific Beach/Mission Beach.
We also took kayaks out in Sail Bay... hard to believe it's the middle of winter!
We also spent a day in Balboa Park where we went to the Timken Museum of Art...
...the Spanish Village Art Center...
...the desert garden, rose garden, and Zoro garden...
...the sculpture garden and the San Diego Museum of Man.
Then it was back to reality and back to work. On New Year's Eve we took 5 to pop the bubbly (cider, that is) and count down to the New Year!
I have a feeling 2014 will be a very good year!
