Once again, we bid a fond farewell to the old...

and welcome the new. We hope that 2010 brings everyone good health, prosperity, great joy, and peace.

More beautiful holidays lights...

Very, very early on Christmas morning, Margaret had switched on the TV, expecting to see the news. But, instead, there was an hour long show, produced by the local news division, of fabulous holiday lights displays all over the Los Angeles and Orange County areas. One neighborhood that was visited was just a couple of miles away, right in Costa Mesa. We took a drive over a couple of nights ago and these are some of the delightful lights we saw there!

Riley and Isaac's 1st Christmas Eve...

Finally, videos as promised!
At just under six months (Riley) and not quite three weeks (Isaac), the tiniest members of our family won't remember Christmas Eve 2009. But, the rest of us, at least the grown-up ones, will remember what sweet angels they both were!

Kissin' Cousins...

...we love to see how affectionate the bigger kids are with the babies.

One, two, three... unwrap!

And a wonderful time was had by all!

A couple of days before Christmas...

...we went to Roger's Gardens, a Newport Beach nursery that does quite a display of lights pre-Christmas. These aren't all the greatest photos we've taken, but they give a feel of how festive a place it is during the holidays. Larry was seated in "Santa's Chair" inside what was the original bandstand at Disneyland many years ago.

A golden bell for our tree...

Rogers does a rousing gift business in addition to selling plants. Among all the great things, we found one beautiful new ornament to add to our collection.

Christmas Eve...

Heather is tough! Despite just having given birth to Isaac less than three weeks ago, she still gathered us all together in their home for Christmas Eve. (Sadly, she is not in any of these pictures. Andrick is barely seen, as well. So sorry!) The kids dined on pizza - eating as much as you would expect excited little kids to eat, while the big folks enjoyed caeser salad and lasagna. (Dessert of pumpkin and lemon pies had to wait - those kids had packages to open.)
It was a beautiful evening; we were blessed to all be together, and to share a first Christmas Eve with our two newest arrivals, Riley and Issac.
We took some video, too. (Now, we just have to remember how to load it to the computer and edit it!) As they say, "Film at 11..."

Wishes for a blessed Christmas...

Holiday lights...

On Sunday evening, we celebrated my birthday at a restaurant on the marina in Seal Beach, then drove through the streets of this quaint sea-side town, looking at holiday lights. (There are more "light" photos that we'll share after Christmas!)

Eight months ago today...

...we exchanged our wedding vows! Margaret's sister, Carol, gave us this ornament in April. It's our favorite on the tree this year!

The Hong Kong Orchid Tree at Sunset...

I know we posted pictures last winter of the orchid trees in bloom behind our condo... They are so beautiful that I just had to share them in their glory as the sun was setting this evening. The storm that blew through here a week ago took many of the blossoms with it, but there were obviously lots and lots of buds ready to bloom left!

How the Christmas Cactus Blooms...

Just can't get over how beautifully our Christmas cactus are blooming this year!

More of Mary's Marvelous Sunset Pictures...

Mary sent a couple more night's worth of spectacular late fall sunset photos. The colors are truly amazing. She mentioned in her email with the first two pictures that the sunset seemed to go on forever that night.

Christmas is a-comin'...

It is definitely looking a lot like Christmas here! The tree got decorated today. (Not without the usual holiday hassle - four branches on the bottom of our pre-lit tree, did not light! Larry fixed it and it is best not to ask!) Nica just had to get in the shot! Everything is done, decorating wise, with the exception of wrapping lights and garland on one stair-rail. (Out of deference to Margaret, whose achy ribs still beg for a little support when climbing up!) The bouquet of "fakes" that sits in the corner of the dining room catches the late afternoon sun and just sparkles. Had to share!

Isaac James Huerta...

The first pictures we've received of Isaac, taken at the hospital, and then in his car seat, ready for his first ride home. Just spoke with Heather a few minutes ago. She and the baby went home yesterday and are doing well. And, he's definitely a cutie!

Same sunset - different view...

Our good friend and great photographer, Mary, sent this picture of last nights sunset, taken from her vantage over the beach in south Orange County. It is beautiful and ominous all at once.

The first winter storm of the season...

The rain started early this morning and has been pretty relentless through the day. But, late this afternoon, the sun peeked out for about five minutes, just long enough for us to be reminded of how beautiful our Southern California late fall/winter sunsets can be.

Baby Isaac has arrived...

Isaac James Huertas arrived at 2:02 am Sunday! He weighs 7 pounds 10 ouces and is 20 inches long. Mom and baby are doing great and we'll be posting pictures soon!