Christmas in California

I think one of the main reasons Philip wanted to go to California for Christmas to visit his brother, Andrew and his girlfriend Cari was so that he could drive Andrew's new Harley Davidson. The first chance he could...Philip took the Harley for a spin around the block. I even rode on the back while Andrew was driving. It was my first time on a motorcycle and it was actually pretty fun. I thought I would be a lot more scared, but Andrew drove very safe, and I actually enjoyed it! Here's a photo of Philip on Andrew's Harley "living the dream."

Andrew and Cari moved to Fresno last year when Andrew was transfered there with Kiewit to build a power plant. They have a very nice apartment and we had a such a great time spending Christmas with them. Unfortunately Cari recently fractured her wrist while snow boarding so fortunately, she could stay home during the day with Philip and me while Andrew had to work.

On Christmas Eve we celebrated the way the Strom family does by having fondue for dinner and then we got slinky's to open that night! Here's a photo of Andrew and Philip making the fondue. Andrew and Philip's grandma always gave the boys a slinky every year, so Cari got us some and we played with them down the stairs! And on Christmas Day we woke up to a delicious breakfast that Cari made for us and then opened up presents! Throughout the day we played cards and some Wii. It was a fun time and such a great Christmas!

Here's a photo of Philip and me by the tree and one of him opening a gift Christmas morning. He's also wearing the Bears jersey that he had just opened as a gift.

On the day after Christmas Philip and I met my Aunt Char for lunch. My Aunt, Uncle Joe and cousin Jason all live in Bakersfield, CA, which is only an hour and a half away from Frenso, so we decided to meet halfway in the middle and meet for lunch in this cute little town called Vesalia. It was great to see my Aunt Char and for her to meet Philip as well. Here's a photo of us outside of the cafe we ate for lunch.

Overall, we had a WONDERFUL time in California for Christmas!