Christmas and New Years 2012

Merry Christmas!  This year we were able to go to California to visit our families.  We first stopped in Southern California to visit Chris' parents and family.  Although we really enjoyed our visit, I didn't get a single picture :)

After sunny Southern California, we headed north to the Bay area.  I have never spent the Christmas season with my dad's side of the family.  I was so happy to finally experience it.  On Christmas day we had dinner over at my cousin's beautiful home.  A couple panoramic photos were taken.  I'll name those in the top photo from left to right for you.

Hamed (my brother-in-law), Maya (my niece), Gila (my sister), Chris, myself, Abbas (my uncle), Keemiah (my cousin), my dad on the sofa, Armin (my cousin's son), what's his bucket (Armin's secon cousin), Mosen (my uncle), and Armin (my cousin's husband).  Not pictured are: Ali (my cousin's oldest son), Parisa (my cousin taking the photo), and Farazonah (my cousin).

Christmas day was extremely rainy, but the weekend was gorgeous.  Chris and I were able to take a hike in Tilden park.  This park has some beautiful views of the bay.  

Chris' impressive photo taking skills :)

On our hike we were serenaded by three silly Californians.  I have never gone on a  hike while playing live music. Even though it was surprising, it did bring something to the table.

Our main motivation for the hike was to find an overlook for the San Francisco fireworks.  The spot we found would have been perfect, but the hike was too much for my 5 month pregnant body.  We spent New Years' Eve with my dad at the market.  Chris splurged and bought some fun hates and noisemakers.  We had enough for us and my dad.  While at the market we witnessed my dad sell his hat to a customer with a 200% markup.  My dad is a nothing if not a salesman :)

Here is a picture of my dad and his German Shepard Jordan.  Jordan is only 15 months old, but he is already 90 lbs!  When we first got to the market, Jordan was territorial and thought Chris was a bear aiming to take his spot (I think it was the beard).  Jordan didn't react well to our presence because my dad was out running errands.  I felt a little nervous! Throughout our visit I had to be careful to prevent Jordan from jumping up on my stomach.  When he did jump up, I would turn my back to him.  On his hind legs, he reaches my shoulders!  I don't know if I could have a German Shepard... they are too large!  By the end of the vacation, Jordan had warmed up to us, and I was sad to leave him.