Nogfest

The winning gingerbread house- not mine or Raleigh's- but it was really, really good!
Above: Raleigh and Alex. Below: My small group's house. Supposed to be the Polar Express theme...
A group of people from Nogfest!
Raleigh and Ryan.
So last year, when Christmas came around, Raleigh and I had only been down here for a few months. We decided to do this big Christmas party called Nogfest. We watch a Christmas movie, everyone who wants to brings a decorated gingerbread house (it's a voting contest), we have an "ugliest sweater" contest, and there are lots of other prizes, food, and of course, eggnog. It was a hit last year, and I'd say it went over pretty well again this year. We really had a great time.

And, I am so happy for today! Thank you Lord for a Saturday where there's nothing on the calendar. I can honestly say that this hasn't happened since..September or August, can't remember exactly when, but it's been SO long. So Raleigh and I are just catching up on some housework, and this afternoon will do our Christmas shopping! On Monday we are taking off for Oregon so that is really exciting too. That's all for now!

So many updates!

The birthday dinner that Raleigh made- and he brought roses!
Raleigh's gift. A spa package that he made! I'm impressed.
Raleigh making dinner! :)


So many things have happened in the last week, it's kinda crazy. Today is my birthday, and so on Saturday Raleigh and I went to Disneyland to celebrate. It was a crazy day, not really the best to be honest. We got there, and had to buy a black-out pass (which we've never done), and the lines just to buy tickets were SOOO long. Over an hour just to get into the park!! Then, on the second ride we went on, my iPhone (paid for by the company I work for) got lost on the Indiana Jones ride. Talk about a bad day!! I was so upset, at first not just because it was a phone that I lost, but because it belonged to the company, and I just felt awful. Then, in the next few days to come, I realized how pathetically dependent I am on my phone! Does anyone else feel that way? I didn't know it till I had to go a long time without it. Uhhgg.

Anyway, we made it a good day. Then, tonight (just a while ago!) Raleigh made dinner, and we sat down to a nice meal together in celebration! I am so very thankful for Raleigh, and for everyone that made this day special!