The Event ~ Christmas in Sonoma

Christmas 2010 was the perfect opportunity to fly to California and spend Christmas with Alexis.  It was kind of almost a last minute decision ~ about three weeks prior to Christmas.  When Alexis called and invited us to come spend Christmas with her, we didn't hesitate to say YES! 

We flew out of Denver at 6 pm on Thursday, December 23 arriving in San Francisco at 8 p.m.  It's about 1 1/2 hours to her house in Sonoma from the SF airport.  Friday we went out shopping for a bit of last minute gift buying.  It was festive and fun shopping with Alexis.  We were going to eat out, but ended up grabbing yummy franks in a food booth at the outdoor plaza.  Once back at the house, we wrapped gifts, played some scrabble, and Alexis looked on line for church options for Christmas Eve.

We found a 7 pm service about a mile from her house at a Presbyterian church.  It was a beautiful setting with the fog rolling through the hills amidst the white steeple of the church and the eerie moss clinging to tree boughs hanging low.   And then surprise!  We were greeted by the people and animals of Bethlehem as the three kings kept a tight rein on their camel, the shepherds were keeping watch over the flock of sheep, and the calves guarding the baby Jesus with Mary and Joseph in the stable.  The place was bustling with people just like we can imagine the streets of Bethlehem when there was no room in the inn. 

During the service we were treated to a truly beautiful flute solo by a gentlemen playing a variety of renditions of "Silent Night".  A fantastic solo.  It was a real treat.  I have never heard a flutist quite so eloquent and mezmorizing as that performance.    We shared in Christmas Eve communion and a short message by an interesting and laid back pastor that made his congregation and guests feel at ease and welcome with a sense of humor.  The message reminded us again that as we put 2010 behind us, we can look forward to the future with hope and peace when God is involved in our lives.    It was special to share Christmas Eve service with Alexis. 

Following church we went home and all pitched in to make a good dinner of minute steak, macorni and cheese, and wine, followed by another board game.  Christmas morning we opened gifts and just spent the day hanging out together.  We didn't get around to eating out at a nice restaurant as Alexis thought we would.   Christmas day we made chicken noodle soup and butterballs. 

Sunday we had a brunch lunch with guests Lee and Kasey, cousins on the Gallwas side.  Alexis made great crepes with strawberries and whipped cream, and Lee brought  an egg/spinach casserole. It was fun to visit, walk around the Sonoma Square and just hang out.  Alexis taught me a little about hoola hooping, which I hope to get into as good waist exercise!

Adding to the fun was Kuma ~ Alexis'  new poodle dog.    Already spoiled, the dog knows he's so darn cute.   Kuma really enjoyed his special Christmas gifts, and opening his own gifts was as much fun as the surprise inside!

We took Kuma  for a walk around the dog park on Friday morning and then to the town square on Sunday afternoon.  We discovered that there are no strangers when a cute dog is in your company, as many people stopped to chat and visit about Kuma!  A good way to make new friends!

Alexis doesn't get tv channels, so it was especially nice not to have our quality time usurped by the big black box.  Tim actually read a whole book in the quiet time that we had there. 

Alexis has a beautiful vintage character house that is warm, cozy and friendly ~ a fun place to hang out or curl up.  We had a very, very beautiful Christmas together ~ we reconnected, and shared memorable family fellowship!    Thank you, Alexis for Christmas 2010.   It was an eventful family Christmas!