A Happy NorCal Christmas

My favorite part about this area is that you can encounter nature just footsteps from home.

How was your Christmas? I had a lovely couple of days enjoying northern California weather. It rained quite a bit yesterday, but Christmas Eve was beautiful! Sunny skies and temps worthy of flip-flops.

Dad and I took a walk by the creek to see the ducks, orange trees, and a secret birdhouse.

I helped cook and decorate the kitchen with some festive lights.

 Gotta love those retro bulbs.

I also enjoyed tromping around on the backyard moss carpet. Everything here is so green this time of year! I have to say, I'm not missing the bare trees of Chicago. Yes, I am looking forward to seeing the snow, but not those bleak colors.

Under the oak tree in my dad's backyard.

Christmas Eve night we joined my mom for a lovely candlelit service at church. Mom sang beautifully and hit all the high notes and we felt the spirit singing all the Christmas carols.

We had a blast visiting with my sis and her little guy at my mom's house yesterday, too. Zeke is about 18 months now and he's quite the character! His favorite was drawing with new crayons and ripping paper off of packages.

Many thanks to the fam for all the generous gifts! My mom found me a beautiful yoga mat carrier, leg warmers and some wild and colorful gloves with a matching hat. The Brother hooked me up with a bunch of candles and some beautiful wall sconces. Sis baked cookies and made some ridiculously good fudge. Dad created some incredible artsy lamps for me in his garage workshop. I'll be posting about them with photos soon (you're going to be amazed!). 

A post-holiday swim? Amazing. Photo via Most Beautiful Darling.

What did you enjoy most about yesterday? I hope you had a meaningful, relaxing and family-filled day and that you're getting excited to celebrate the new year!