Whirlwind Weekend

Poor Erik worked Friday night and then drove here Saturday morning in time to leave for the whale watching. . . then after we got home from Long Beach, he still didn't get to sleep--but he did get to open his stocking! Yep, that's real Wisconsin Cheese he's holding. Cheese curds and whips, straight from the snowy tundra. Definitely worth the sleep deprivation. ;-DWe also got a pair of Hadleyware mugs from mom, which feel wonderfully homey.On Sunday morning we got up early and left for Fresno to meet Noelle and the Searls clan. On the way we saw a lovely rainbow right over the road!Also stopped for a glimpse of Pyramid Lake and at the Crystal Palace in Bakersfield only long enough for these two to meet up with their special friends.We had a yummy lunch at the Cheesecake Factory and then went to Starbucks to hang out and chat (as the gardens we wanted to tour were closed for renovations).We also returned a few things Andy & Noelle left in Altadena (don't you think green is his color?) ;-)
On Monday morning mom left. :-(

On a Boat!

We went to Long Beach today for a whale watching tour! I didn't really get great pictures (maybe April will share some), but had to post anyhow because it gives you an idea and it was so much fun.

We saw dolphins and sea lions (playing together!!)and several fin whales surfacing for air and showing off their dorsal fin.
It was a lovely day!
Had dinner at Bubba Gump's before heading back. Mmm... shrimp... :-D

Merry Christmas!

I'll post more later this week, but wanted to get some pictures up and wish everyone the joy of the season!

Our decorating this year was. . . makeshift. But we had fun!! There really wasn't room for a tree with all the folks staying here, so. . . here it is (lovely frosted ornaments courtesy of Susan!)
The best laid plans of mice & men. . . some snags in the visiting, but we rolled with it. Dad & Jackie did not end up coming--they both got really sick and stayed in Arizona to recover. Happily they are on the mend. As for the rest of the crew, April arrived on Friday night. . . Erik, Andy & Noelle all arrived around midday on Saturday.April & Ben have been in London working for the past month, so flew here before returning to Oklahoma. They say the jet lag wasn't bad. . . Mom had some trouble getting out here; her flight was canceled due to a BLIZZARD in Green Bay! So she spent the night and headed out on a new flight the following day. Whew! Unfortunately Erik had to head back to Bakersfield to work before she arrived, but we'll all get together next weekend before people start flying out.Trying out Ben's Xbox 360 . . . Ben with his favorite present--Wisconsin cheese!! :-DMom found this book for Ben Coffin . . . Christmas day went something like this:
Noelle giggles the entire household awake (except mom) at 5am, then promptly lays down to go back to sleep. . . we watch The Grinch (old animated version) and make breakfast. . . Mom gets up and we eat breakfast. . . open gifts, talk to Susie and to dad. . . play some card (and video) games. . . go for a short hike while the turkey cooks. . . dinner. . . Andy & Noelle head out. . . everyone wants a nap. . . play some cards (video if your name is Ben). . . eat leftovers. . .

Christmas dinner
I don't even feel like this is a coherent post, but I'm putting it up and going to bed.

I wish you all the peace and joy that Christmas is!!
Love you,
cmr

I intended to write a little post after last weekend, and here I am dashing it off quick before this one begins.

As many of you are bundling up and enjoying a winter wonderland... it seems fall has finally arrived here in California! I was excited to find a tree in the park this weekend that actually changed color--beautiful!!

Also did some Christmas baking... a wonderful elf helped me frost. :-)

Family starts arriving tonight--am looking forward to seeing everyone. A VERY Merry Christmas to you all!!

Much love,
christel

Solvang

Erik and I met in Solvang today--a nice day off after working the weekend. Solvang is a touristy little Danish town that reminded me very much of Door County! It was a beautiful day.

I stopped at an overlook on the way to look at Lake Something-or-Other. . . was wishing I had time to get down to the water and play for a bit. Very pretty.
But something better was waiting for me a little further on (and I DON'T mean Hans Christian Anderson!)The whole distance thing is wearing a little thin on us; it was REALLY good to spend the day together. We wandered around and looked in shops, ate Danish sandwiches on croissants, and met a wonderful little lady who sold us an engagement ring and our wedding bands (and took a bunch of pictures of us!)

After sizing and ordering the wedding bands and buying the engagement ring, Erik surprised me by dropping down on his knee right in the store and asking me to marry him again!