San Francisco here we come! Dec 6, 2009

We took a three day weekend trip to SanFrancisco to celebrate our wedding anniversary, 29 years! This is only the second time we have gone away together, there have always been too many responsibilities because our anniversary falls between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and we have a big family. But this year the time was right. We had a wonderful weekend. We took a tour and saw a play. Rode the BART and the cable cars. Walked, talked, laughed, dined, shopped, took pictures (tons of pictures). Really just enjoyed hanging out together. The kids survived fine without us. They even sent us a bottle of champagne! We look forward to taking more trips together. Chicago? New York?

Thanksgiving (my favorite holiday)

I love Thanksgiving! The day is filled with family, good food, and fun. We always start with the parade in the morning while the turkey starts cooking, then the older kids come over and we prepare the side dishes, set the table and take the yearly family pictures (one of which ends up in my Christmas cards). There's football and dinner. Then later we have pie and coffee, play cards, scrabble, and dice.

The Whole Family

Ewan, Jeff and Katrina, Brandon and Felicia

Audra with Divot, Liana, Jared with Boo, Gerald, Cris & Tarisa

The Pretty Girls

All the Boys


The Gorria Kids

Mom LOVES the Macy's Parade!

Someday we will see it in person.

The table is set for the feast.

Dad is the carving expert.

Grandpa with Tarisa

Jeff, Ewan and Katrina

Ewan with his Great-grandpa

Smile Audie

Brandon and Felicia

Liana, Jared, Tarisa and Audra

our 4 youngest kids

October 2009

Pro carving skills here!

Dad gets the shot.

Ewan on a search for the perfect pumpkin.

Audra favors the little cute ones.

Load 'em up , then over to Mark and Peggy's carving party.