This Christmas weekend has been rather busy. For Christmas this year we went to Denise’s parent’s house in Bakersfield, California.
To start the activities on Christmas Eve morning I took a 10 mile jog along the Kern river. It was kind of interesting because it was the first time I have actually ever seen the Kern river with water. Sounds weird I know, but it is really rare to ever see water there. It was a fun run, but it was a little chilly as evidenced by the fact that I slipped and hit my head in a frozen puddle. Can we say OUCH?!!

Had we waited one minute more we wouldn't have had any chicken tamales, SHUDDER THE THOUGHT!!

After I rolled myself off of the street we went to Vallarta Market. After driving around the parking lot for about 15 mins and meeting the entire hispanic population of Bakersfield we were able to secure 12 tamales, Mexican sweet rolls, and champurrado. For those not familiar with champurrado it is a Mexican hot chocolate drink made with cornmeal, chocolate, sugar and heavy doses of cinnamon (nice and brothy).

Denise says the lights are "prettyful".

The day soon however to night and we traveled out in the middle of nowhere (really, if we weren’t following Denise’s parents I am not sure we would’ve made it) to a place called the CAlifornia Living history Museum. Commonly known as CALM in Bakersfield, this museum normally is a kind of local species zoo, but during the whole month of December it becomes dazzling light display of dizzying proportions.

"Grandma please don't let go, this horsy is bumpy"

You may think I am exaggerating, but all you need to do is ride the merry-go-round and you too will be dizzy (this was the first time in a long time that AJ insisted someone stand by him on a merry-go-round).

AJ tore into his presents with glee.

With visions of dancing lights in our heads we made our way back to Denise’s parents house and all settle in for the night. As morning came it was time for the traditional opening of the presents. AJ of course made out with a bandit (we no longer need anymore train tracks, EVER).

Tom hones in his gingerbread making techniques.

After church Tom, Erica, Harper, and Jonah showed up. It was a toddlerpalooza as we ate turkey, pies, and built a gingerbread house.

Denise helped out with cooking dinner.

In summary it was a great Christmas. Family, Food, Lights, and Church. What else can you ask for??

The Bakersfield Tree

Well, I guess there is more. What’s that? You say you don’t want anymore?? Too bad, this is my blog 🙂 I give you for your review some miscellaneous pictures we took in December that didn’t quite make their own blog post.

For the first time in our marriage we setup a Christmas tree. We didn't have an angel or star for the top so we improvised.

Denise decorated this Disney inspired table for the Ward Adult Christmas Party.

This year we went to the Mission Inn Lights in Riverside, CA. It is pretty much the same every year but who can avoid shiny lights??

This is the view from the top of Twin Peaks, I am looking down on Lake Gregory in Crestline. This was my longest training run yet at 12.4 miles.