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.  

Hello Baby!

We are really excited to share our happy news that we are expecting!  We were able to find out the gender and couldn't wait to share.  May can't come soon enough :)

Ellen

Source: youtube.com via Jamie on Pinterest

I just love the Ellen show. It breaks my heart that I can't watch it online!!!

Dog Shaming

City and Indie are pretty good dogs, but sometimes Indie forgets the rules and likes to shred paper products when we leave the house for 5 minutes.  Normally I just clean up the mess and try to discipline her.  This time around I couldn't pass up the prime opportunity in front of me.  Why not share my joy of my family with the world wide web?  However, Dog Shaming is a very busy website and we might not get posted...

so here it is for you to enjoy!

Indie:  When my parents leave me out, I shred anything in sight!

City: And I don't stop her!  (They should have taken me with them!)

Love our puppies even when they are naughty!

My new love affair

I fell in love with the first season Of Downton Abbey last year and have waited patiently for the second season to become available for viewing online.  The day has come!  With my Amazon student prime account, I have full access to watch the second season comfortably in my leaving room.  I have been bawling for hours while watching the thrilling and emotional episodes.  It truly is such a great show!

Vacation and Family Time

We are an aunt and uncle again!  Nora Demarious Merket was born on July 4th to the happiest of parents--Larry and Roxy, my brother and sister-in-law!  We were so excited to have the chance to meet her!  I now have two nieces!  I hope to meet Maya next Thanksgiving or Christmas if it all works out.  Here are a ton of pictures for you to enjoy!

Nora in Larry's arms :)

I stole this one from Roxy... it was just too cute to pass up!

Chris, Nora and I in St. George!  It was so much fun to be with family!

The proud papa and uncle.  

My favorite of Chris's special pictures.  He looks so happy holding Nora :)

Chris and I in front of a large lava tunnel in Snow Canyon.

The group at Snow Canyon.  This trip was also very needed because Liz is going to China in about a month!  I will really miss her, but I am glad she will be furthering her career so much!  We hope to visit some day!

Another group shot at Larry and Roxy's!  It was so great to spend the week with everyone!

Another shot of Snow Canyon!  It was such a beautiful canyon to visit.  We hope to go back and visit Zion as well Snow Canyon.

This is part of the gift that Chris and I gave Nora.  It has her birth information in the middle and a letter N made out of buttons.  I think it is one of my favorite birth announcement gifts that I have ever made!  

4 Years and A Healthy Pup

Last Wednesday was our 4 year anniversary and Indie's last vet appointment.  To celebrate we hiked Negro Bill Canyon up in Moab.  It was a beautiful day and the canyon has a refreshing stream.  City was excited as can be, and Indie was as nervous as can be.  Since our hike we have gotten Indie to swim at the local reservoir.  She is turning out to be just as good of a swimmer as City is; however, she does not enjoy swimming at all.  She simply swims to keep up with the rest of us.  Here are some pictures of the fun day!

The canyon ends with a huge natural bridge titled Morning Glory.  It was beautiful to see and it came with a touring group rappelling down from the top.  We figured they hiked to the top from a back route and rappelled down.  It looked like a lot of fun!