Chicago

Randy and I had a wonderful time in Chicago. It was freeeeezing (15 degrees), but fun. We spent Sunday with Martha and Mike and we ate brunch with Randy's second cousins, Gretchen and Maren, walked through the Field Museum, went to Macy's and saw the Christmas tree and had coffee and Peppermint Mochas at Borders. After Martha and Mike left for Boise, Randy and I had a drink at the top of the John Hancock building and ate a wonderful seafood meal at McCormick and Schmick's. I hope to visit Chicago again, but next time I would rather visit in the summer.

Grandpa Baker

Recently Randy and I flew to Illinois to celebrate Randy's grandpa's 90th birthday. The celebration was in the little town of Mt. Morris where Randy's mom, Martha, was born and raised until she was a sophomore in high school. It was fun visiting with Randy's relatives, listening to stories about their childhood, driving by Martha's childhood home and visiting the family farm.
So many people turned out to wish Dr. Baker a happy birthday. He was the town doctor and many people told stories of how he delivered them and their children many years ago. He looked so happy to see everyone and Randy and I were thrilled that we were able to make the trip out there.

Country Mouse

Randy recently earned a bonus from work. He was able to choose one of three locations to spend a weekend away. His choices were Country Mouse, City Night Life, or Tropical Island. He chose Country Mouse, and we spent the weekend at the Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa http://www.fairmont.com/sonoma. Our room was beautiful and included a large tub in the middle of the room and a fireplace. We ate dinner at the restaurant in the hotel and had breakfast in bed the next morning. We also indulged in a couple's massage at their spa. It was a wonderful and relaxing weekend and we can't wait to go back.
We're off to Chicago for Randy's grandpa's 90th birthday. We'll be back next week.

Apple Pie

We made an apple pie for Thanksgiving dessert. We used a recipe that has been in Randy's family for many years. The crust is so flakey and the apples are so sweet. It is perfect with vanilla ice cream.

Thanksgiving

Randy and I had a relaxing and quiet Thanksgiving at my parent's house in Los Banos. The day consisted of watching tv, eating, napping, more eating and of course, more napping. Randy and I baked a pie (I'll share that in another post).

Congratulations Alison and Travis!

Tonight my friend Alison married Travis Beech. I traveled to Modesto to watch them exchange their vows. I was able to snap a few shots with my new camera.

A few more photos...

A beautiful wedding

In early October, Sarah married Stephen at the Menefee Ranch. It was a beautiful wedding with delicious food. Here are some of the pictures I took of the happy couple.

XTi

We bought a new camera. My dad bought my old Canon Digi Rebel, and we purchased the Canon Rebel XTi. We LOVE it! It shoots in black and white.

It's official!

I am now Stephanie Fawcett. All official paper work has been changed. All new checks, credit cards, driver's license, etc. Now I have to get used to writing it.

Bittersweet

Escrow closed today, and I am no longer the owner of the little house on Oxford. I was sad leaving my house for the last time, but I am very excited about finding a new place for us. We've been looking online, and Jenny gave me a name of a real estate agent she knows well. I'll be calling him first thing tomorrow. I'll keep everyone updated on the house search as soon as it starts. Wish us luck!

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Half Moon Bay

On Saturday, we spent the day in Half Moon Bay. We walked along the beach and Randy found lots of shells. We ate lunch at the Brewing Company, then walked down Main Street and did a little shopping. The weather was perfect.

Happy Birthday John!

On Saturday, a group of us celebrated John's birthday in Carmel. We ate at Little Napoli http://www.littlenapoli.com. We had so much fun at dinner. Happy Birthday John!

"This is the best meal you've made since we've been married."

Randy's exact words when I made corn bread- and bacon-stuffed pork chops the other night. I have to admit, I thought they were pretty yummy too.

St. Lucia

A few photos of our honeymoon. It was so beautiful there. We want to go back. Many more photos later.

Speaking of anniversaries...

Today Randy and I celebrate our 1-month anniversary. In the past 30 days, we have been very busy. We went on a beautiful honeymoon (pictures soon), I moved into Randy's apartment in Palo Alto, we've put my house on the market, and Randy received a raise.