Christmas 2009

This is our first Christmas as husband and wife. Eric and I have very different schedules and had to work on Christmas and Christmas Eve. However, we made Christmas work for us this year. I cooked Christmas dinner, and we opened presents with Rita. Here are a few photos from our Christmas together.

The table is set- just waiting on Eric to get off work...

Rita got in Eric's chair when he got up. She really wanted to eat his food.

Rita loved sleeping under the Christmas tree. She likes the soft tree skirt.

We had to make a place just for her.

Rita waiting by the tree and heater patiently for presents

Opening a present from Rita

Rita loved her Christmas presents, but she loved her stocking even more.

Eric opening his presents

I also went home the weekend before Christmas to see my family. I got to see both sides of my extended family. It was a short trip but worth it.

Family photo

Dad opening his present

Mom with her San Francisco trolley car ornament

Michelle by the fireplace getting ready to open gifts

Me and my Christmas presents

Mom, Michelle, and I also went wedding dress shopping on a whim when I was home, and Michelle found a wedding dress. I can't post pictures of that until after July 2010. She looks beautiful in her wedding dress.

Eric and I both have New Year's Eve off. We are flying back to Arkansas to see family for the holidays. This will be our first trip back to Arkansas together since we left in June. See you soon!

Anna's Visit to The Bay Area

Anna is home from Africa for the holidays. She had the chance to visit us at the beginning of December for some fun in The Bay. We did all of the tourist attractions plus she accompanied us to the Stanford General Surgery Holiday Ball. We had a great time going out dancing in San Francisco, visiting Napa, and hanging out in Palo Alto. Here are some pictures of her trip.

At Stanford University

Everyone here rides a bike. :)

Anna in front of Stanford Memorial Church

Union Square in San Francisco

Love the Chirstmas decorations

A night in the city

Having fun dancing

Anna, Achal, and me

Napa Valley the next day

I love the beautiful fall-winter colors.

Anna in the vineyards

The Castle Winery

In the cellar

Wine tasting

Going to the Stanford General Surgery Holiday Party

Anna, me & the faux fur :)

Eric & some of his co-residents

Me, Kelly & Kristy

Driving into San Francisco

Waiting on the trolley on Market Street

On the trolley

Golden Gate Bridge- just before nightfall

Ghirardelli Square

Eating sourdough bread- a San Francisco treat!

Other side of the Golden Gate Bridge

I had to post this because this is the worst photos ever taken by another tourist. I don't think he understood that we wanted the bridge in the photo with us- too funny.

Heading into Sausalito

Anna in Sausalito

View on the way to Muir Woods- there is nothing but the Pacific Ocean for miles

It is beautiful!

Enjoying the California redwoods- We took this picture with the self-timer.

It turned out great!

Overall, I think Anna had a great trip. We did a lot of things. She also experienced Korean food for the first time and tried In N Out Burger again. Yum! We hope that she comes back to visit us while we are here.

Thanksgiving 2009

Eric and I had our first Thanksgiving as husband and wife. Unfortunately, we were not able to go home for Thanksgiving. However, we were able to start a new tradition. Also, this was the first time I have ever cooked anything for Thanksgiving. After a lot of researching and talking to my Mom, I prepared a great meal. Eric said that he was really impressed. :) It was a great Thanksgiving. We are very thankful and blessed.

Our homemade feast with Rita looking on

(Rita had the giblets that I baked in the oven for her.)

The bird

Eric carving the turkey- He did an excellent job since he is a surgery resident and a poultry scientist!

Eric's Adventure to Peru

Eric took a trip to Peru in November. He has always wanted to climb to Machu Picchu. He has seen many of the ruins in Central America, and now, he wanted to go to South America. (I am going to try my best to blog about his experience.)

Eric went with Matthew Ragland. They both enjoy hiking and speaking Spanish, so they were perfect travel partners for this trip. They flew into Lima, Peru and took a plane to Cusco, Peru- where they started the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The hike is around 28 miles long with the highest elevation at 12,000 feet, and the hike takes 4 days. Eric and Matthew were prepared, but Eric said it still was challenging with the altitude and uphill climbs. However, everything was worth it when he reached Machu Picchu, one of the 7 wonders of the modern world. The pictures are amazing! He also video taped their climb and experience on the trail.

Their group starting the trail

Matthew and Eric were the only Americans. The other members were from Spain and Switzerland. They spoke Spanish the whole time!

Eric and Matthew taking a break from hiking

The views are amazing!

Trying to stay dry

Look at the beautiful mountains!

Almost there...

Machu Picchu

Eric and Machu Picchu in the background

He is in the clouds!

What a trip!