5 Days of Christmas

I understand the tardiness of this post and can offer no excuse other than the obvious; We celebrated 5 Christmases, and that means ALOT of pictures. Cheryl and I love the holidays and nearly everything they stand for, but mostly for friends and family. Unfortunately, it wasn't until we loaded up the car and set the GPS did we realize just how crazy this holiday season was turning out to be...

Christmas #1 - Moorpark, CA (Home of the Franks) - Dec. 21st

After a beautiful Christmas concert at Grace Community Church the day before, Cheryl and I headed to my Aunt and Uncle's for a Christmas dinner and round one of gifts. My sister, Tammy, flew in from New York on Sunday afternoon and after picking her up, headed straight to Moorpark. We met up with my family and cousins and enjoyed a delicious meal and exchanged gifts.

This is my little cousin Raquel standing next to my dad's Christmas gift to himself: A robot made out of old appliances and other various pieces of scrap metal - very eclectic. He says he's got just the place for Robbie the Robot in his new dental office - I bet you do dad.


My sister Tammy and Cousin Andrew.

2 Smiles and a full mouth.

My Uncle Robert and his father Allen and mother Gary.

Enjoying the season of giving.

Christmas #2 - Culver City, CA (Our Home) - Dec. 22nd

Cheryl and I headed back home to CC to get our things in order before we hit the road for 2 weeks. Since we had spent the time decorating our apartment into a winter wonderland, we figured we'd enjoy it. We opened our stockings, turned on some Christmas music, and just had a relaxing morning together.

Christmas #3 - Fresno, CA (Home of the Shamlians) - Dec. 23nd

My family decided to do Christmas on Tuesday this year. My Grandma Roxie had planned to have Christmas with her sisters and brothers (my aunts and uncles) on Wednesday so we celebrated a day early so we could enjoy her company. This year was a unique one in that my family celebrated Christmas with just us. With alot of guests, you find yourself chatting with everyone, instead of the real heart to hearts that make the holiday season so special. Cheryl and I were able to spend some quality time with my family and it made the trip all the more special. The only downside was that there were less people to help with the dishes afterwards.

Christmas #4 - Fresno, CA (Home of Grandma Gina) - Dec. 24th

So tonight was pretty much the same set-up as last night, except at my grandam's home. She had yet to serve a "fancy" dinner on her new dining room set, which looked like it was taken from the Palace of Versaille. Along with the feast came the presents, but only after we went to church for the Christmas message.

Oh by the way, we were scheduled to perform as the musical selection. "What Child is This - AKA Greensleeves"

Christmas #5 - Red Bluff, CA (Home of The Wess') - Dec. 25th

So the last stop on our holiday road trip was Red Bluff. We had a great time with the family and we ate like we haven't eaten since, well, since the last time we were there. It was good to have the whole family together again. Cheryl spent her days hanging out with her sister and mom while I was left to reading, playing Nindento, and helping Tom finish some Christmas projects (see pictures at the end of this post). It was the perfect ending to a long and challenging year. Next trimester is turning out to be the hardest yet, so I am glad Cheryl and I took the time for some much needed R&R in beautiful northern California.

The tree and I.

Alise and Grandpa getting ready for another round of presents.

Tayden liked his new bike so much that he did everything on it, include opening other presents.

Marcie, Chris, and Cheryl opening their new stockings. Cheryl's mom spent several weeks before making everyone's stocking. Each stocking's pattern was unique and had our names stitched on. How cool!

Travis and Tayden putting together his Hot wheels bike. Complete with real motorcycle sounds and flashing lights. Vroom Vroom

I think this picture explains itself. If I had a present that cool, I'd eat on it too.

Alise looks like she's getting the hang of that rocking horse.

It's never too early for a wrestling match.

Tayden's first time playing Wii Mario Kart. With a little practice, he just might beat me one day.

On our way to Logan's Roadhouse in Chico. Yup, I'm looking at the camera and not the road - I know.

Great food and even better company. Thanks Aunt Jan, Uncle Jim, and Susie for the great evening.

The Christmas Projects:

A glass present: Made of a glass block (the ones they use in showers) with a hole drilled in the side. Filled with LED christmas lights and wrapped with some Christmas Ribbon. Ta Da!

A wooden reindeer (Rudolph): No easy way around this. Each peace was drawn out, hand cut with a jigsaw, then stained. The finishing touch, a red nose. (Notice where I skillfully placed the knot in the wood for the reindeer's eye - good idea Tom)

Merry Christmas - What a Year!