Christmas 2010

This Christmas was a bag of mixed emotions for me. On one hand, I was happy to spend time with my mom and stepdad in San Francisco but on the other hand, I was really let down that my brother didn’t come through. I had visualized my brother being up there with me for some of the trip and when he declined the free gas, free car, and free schedule we kindly laid out before him, I was really bummed. I guess my baby did have a cough (even though she didn’t act sick at all) and they wanted to lay low. My brother said, “I just don’t ‘feel’ like driving up there.” My argument, “Do you think I ‘felt’ like getting up at 5:30am, packing up the car by myself and hauling my ass and two little dogs out of the house on Christmas eve while it was still dark outside? NO! But, I do these things for the people I love!” Because he couldn’t reciprocate, I felt let down and like no one really appreciates how hard it is for me to pack up and make the trek up there…especially on a holiday weekend. Ugh. A part of me just thinks, it would be so much easier if I had someone to help me with the drive and packing and everything and I get spiteful that I still have to do this all on my own. My independence never bothers me, I am fine with it, but on trips like that I look forward to a time when I can have some support and someone to appreciate. I am very thankful for the support of my mom and stepdad however. They are the only ones that come down and see me, or are supportive when I want to go to S.F. by helping with a plane ticket or driving a part of the way for me. And, most of my aunts are supportive and make it a point to see me and visit me and I really do appreciate it very much. My brother and dad on the other hand, are two peas in a pod of homebodies, that don’t like to be bothered with out of town commitments.
With that rant over, the rest of the Christmas holiday was relaxing.
Christmas Eve was spent for the most part at Andrew and Erika’s. Grandma and Grandpa came over and for a few hours it felt like a traditional Christmas Eve with the family. My baby had a little bit of a cold but that didn’t stop her from enjoying all the presents, and with many thanks, she had a blast. My favorite part was when my mom and I told her, “Kaelyn, tell your daddy you want to go to San Francisco” and she grabbed her doggy and her blankie and said, “Goin san sisco daddy” and walked over to where I was standing at the door. She was ready to go. That’s my girl!

Kaelyn and Taylor and her new piano from mama.

Kaelyn opening my gift...a Dora DVD


Me and Tay

She was so happy with her piano

Grandma and Daisy


Music makes her soooo happy...and she takes it very seriously...



Me and my Kae

Kaelyn thought it would be fun to brush Auntie Amy's hair until she found out that curly hair is impossible to brush. This makes her crack up that it gets stuck.

The Pirtle's and one of their "daughters"

Official Pirtle Family Christmas Picture 2010

I'm lovin her and pnut can't watch

Nails scary!

Me and Mama

Entering into San Francisco is so magical. I didn’t get a good shot of the city with some extra Christmas lights but here is a quick snapshot I took and edited as we crossed the bay bridge:


That evening we went to dinner at this little Chinese food joint around the corner off Chestnut. It was tasty!

Some Happy Birthday Jesus celebrations

"Now accepting visa and mastercard." Seriously!

Mel's DENIED!

Chinese food joint.

Christmas eve dinner picture

Christmas day was super chill. I set up my mom’s new Samsung 32inch LCD flat screen and we enjoyed lying around most of the day, watching movies, and listening to the rain. We ordered pick up from Buca Di Beppo and it was bomb.

How we spent Christmas day

The next morning we went on an amazing run to the Golden Gate Bridge and a 30 minute stop at 24 hour fitness.

Me and the Golden Gate 12.26.10

Mom and Dick running in the bottom left.

We attempted to go downtown to Union Square but I could only hang for about 2 hours and then I was ready to head back to my mom’s quiet and beautiful home. I was feeling noncommittal with purchasing anything and the after Christmas sales were really weak.
With one more quick stop at Andrews and a few hours with my dad at Barnes and Noble I was on the road headed back to HB.

Me and Paige.

Me and my lil step brother and step sister. Crazy kids.

Paige and Jack playing on his itouch

Siblings haha.