It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

This year, Christmas was indeed memorable for Carl and I and we hope it was for all of you too. For weeks, we have been trying to decide on what we are going to do for the Christmas weekend, and at one point we thought it would have been a lot easier if we were home in the Philippines because the answer would automatically be - WITH FAMILY. Then again, since that was not a very feasible option at this time, we had to make do. And then we had a bright idea - why not still spend it WITH FAMILY.  We can do a road trip with Jasmine's little family and drive down to southern California and have Christmas with ate Lei & Ricky? Brilliant! But then again, Jasmine and her family just took a trip to the Philippines and it didn't seem practical to take another trip. So after much consideration, we decided we'd do still do it - just the two of us - take the 12 hour drive to Los Angeles and spend the weekend with Carl's older sister.

The Christmas weekend started on the night of the 21st. Since we won't be having Noche Buena at our apartment, we decided we'll have a Christmas dinner before we leave for California.

Our Christmas Dinner Feast - Filipino style Spaghetti, Garlic Cheddar Biscuits,
Banana-Raisin Bread, Crab Rolls, Lumpia, &  Pigs in a Blanket

We also decided to open our gifts. Our gifts were sort of secret this year, and so Carl didn't know what's been sitting under the tree and the same is true with me. However, that morning, Carl took his gift for me from under the tree and when he came home that night, he locked himself in the room and I assumed he was wrapping gifts because he also grabbed the big roll of Christmas gift wrapper. These are our gifts to each other.

We both got books (JV: Rachael Ray Cookbook & The Little Prince; Carl:Steve Jobs Biography).
Carl also got me my nude pumps (and another book, Tuesdays with Morrie)
and I got him his Michael Jordan cap.

We left early the next morning. Carl did the morning shift until we got to Las Vegas - where of course we went on a date. We ate at Jollibee and did a little shopping at the outlet stores. Then it was my turn, until sundown. We arrived in California around 9pm and visited with our friends Mhar and Liezel in Bell Gardens and stayed with them for the night.

Before there was nothing but bones...

The morning of the 23rd, we headed to ate Lei's place in Downey and spent the rest of the weekend with them.  

Strolled and played "badminton" in Seal Beach, enjoyed the lights in Naples,
great family Noche Buena, and visiting Joyce on Christmas Day!

Carl and I had a really good time in California. In fact, we felt more full than tired. Our tummies were as full as our hearts. We were able to visit friends and family, and enjoyed each others' company. We visited the Pascuals in Sherman Oaks, we met up with my childhood girlfriend Bernice in Long Beach and had light snacks at La Creperie, we also visited Peggy, and most of all - we visited Joyce and her grandkids in her home in Lakewood. 

On Monday morning, the 26th, we were ready to go back to Utah. We left early, and we capped our trip with a hearty lunch at Todai in Las Vegas. 

Seafood Lunch in Las Vegas :)

It was indeed, a wonderful time of the year!