Christmas, Part 1

Kate and I are headed off to St. Louis today to spend Christmas with her family. Of course it is sad not to be with my family over the holidays, but luckily we we're able to open presents with them last night with the good 'ol webcam (a gift we got for them for just such an occasion).

Kate gets the present-opening started


The miracle of modern technology


Kate got a new kitchen apron that she loves


Properly dressed for the event, I'm showing off my new giant Aggie mug that nicely matches one of our tree ornaments


And after we finished opening all the presents from my parents, I surprised Kate with one last early present...


the first onesies for our baby due in June!



Thanks to my Mom and Dad for all the great Christmas presents. We'll miss you on Christmas Day - Love you both very much. Needless to say I think we'll be getting good use out of that webcam!

Happy Holidays!

Fun

There's really no reason for this post, other than Kate and I had a fun weekend last weekend and I wanted to share some of the pictures. Enjoy!

Friday started with a rainbow view off our deck. First one we've seen since moving in.


Friday night Kate and I went to dinner at one of her favorite spots on Haight St. - Alembic


The Alembic Bar


After dinner we walked over to meet our friends Jen and Dave - and on the way, found some really elaborate Christmas decor in the in the neighborhood


Of course I tried to tackle one of them.


We met Jen and Dave at the Buckshot Bar, which has awesomely operational skee ball


A crowd gathers to watch the big match...


Kate attempting to mount a comeback.


But she fell short.


Alas, all was made well with a crammed session in the photobooth with Jen and Dave


On Saturday I accompanied Kate to the Alemany Farmers Market


A rare treat for her, given my expertise in crop identification


The highlight of the trip for me was this one person band


And on Sunday night Kate unveiled the Christmas quilt on the bed - a gift she got from her Aunt Mille

Cookie Swap 2008!

New Year's resolution--become a better blogger. I am so bad at updating this thing.

Anyway--wanted to share some pictures from my annual cookie swap. This should have been the sixth annual, but last year I just didn't think that I knew enough girls who would be interested in participating. This year was a different story. It was a great swap, as swaps go...ten total in attendance (or 9.5? I'm not sure if Rebecca's non-cookie-eating nine-week-old counts for a full attendee or not...) and more than enough delicious cookies to go around.

So here's how Kate's Cookie Swap works, for those of you who aren't familiar:

Everyone brings at least five dozen homemade cookies. First the cookies are displayed in all their caloric glory...



Soon the table is groaning with its delicious, sugar-studded bounty...



Then we circle the table until the platters are empty



and our boxes are full.



Throughout the process there is plenty of time given to cookie-related debate and reflection.




In preparation for the cookie swap, we make sure the house looks extra festive...with a Christmas tree



and no holiday gathering is complete without a visit from Manny Claus.



He knows if you've been naughty or nice...

Thanksgiving in Kansas City

Out to dinner Wednesday night at Jose Pepper's


Pre-Thanksgiving margaritas -- a Davidson tradition




Thanksgiving Day, watching the Cowboys


Lisa's dog Cy, pretending to behave


Preparing the feast


Thanksgiving dinner


Saturday night at a Japanese Steakhouse


The Plaza , after dinner


A little taste of winter before heading back to airport on Friday

PB in SF

Jack was in California last week for work and we talked him into staying the weekend with us. Here are just a few pics from his visit...

We went up to Twin Peaks for some of the finest views of the city






Jack eating Alcatraz


Getting in some exercises down by the Marina


Exploring Chinatown




Jack getting cleaned up for a night on the town


Acting "adult" at dinner


Izzy's Steakhouse




Kate hard at work, getting ready for the bbq


Making cookies


Sharing a tender moment on the back deck


Jack found his favorite store