The end of 2009 in photos

After Christmas I headed out to Arizona to visit my family and see my mom and step-dad's new home. We had a nice little Christmas celebration of our own and just had fun relaxing, which is pretty much what a trip to Arizona always consists of. (Oh, and shopping ... lots of shopping). The hubby got to stay home and enjoy the quiet (with the cat of course).

On the drive out, when I got to the Palm Springs area, the clouds were insane! I love it when clouds become huge and billowy, making them even more of a mystery just floating around in the sky.
This year I got some of the best gifts I have ever received. (Wow, don't I just sound superficial). There was just something about this year where everything seemed extra meaningful. I think I am going through that odd phase of trying to *admit* to myself that I'm a grown-up now and it's okay. Who would have thought that would be such a struggle? I'm excited about this upcoming year and being 26 though. Okay, back to those presents ..

My grandmother crocheted this gorgeous ivory blanket. I am a SUCKER for things like this. Family means so much to me, and I don't believe that there is anything much better than a handmade item from family. Thank you for my blanket Grandma !
Isn't is just gorgeous??

And then ... there is this beauty.
My mom bought me this gorgeous and dainty letter 'C' necklace. I don't wear much jewelry, but I am a sucker for little pieces like this. This little thing has not come off at all in the last two weeks ;)

And what did the husband get for me this year? A new iphone!! And not just a normal iphone... the new 3Gs iphone. I am in geek heaven.
Oh, and then there is this photo.

This is a pond near my mom's new home that we stopped at to feed the ducks. So here we are to the left feeding those three guys, and then I look to the right and see the swarm of ducks coming our way. It was the most funny thing.... cause they can't swim that fast but they were all SO determined to get their butts to us and get that food. Thankfully it started to rain right after we took this picture and we took off. That would have been an interesting fight for the bread crumbs...But now, I'm back at our wonderful home and enjoying the quiet before school begins again. And by the way .... 75 degrees and clear on January 5th in California?

I love this place.