It's Miller Time!

That title may may you think of a different adult beverage but not for these Millers! We enjoyed a wonderful sophisticated evening together at the Desert Springs Marriott Resort in Palm Desert with fancy drinks at the lobby bar. As usual the christmas decorations were beautiful and we enjoyed a boat ride through the canals of the resort.

Our perfect evening could have ended there, but Matt and I decided to meet his cousin Lydia and her new husband Scott at the Agua Caliente Casino. We enjoyed visiting with them and winning a little $$!

Christmas 2009

I'm not in a writing mood (which could also explain why I haven't started writing all of my Christmas Thank You notes), so the following is a rare blog post from my husband.

Christmas came early for my wife - we were getting ready on Christmas Eve to meet family in the Palm Desert and... surprise! I was standing there with her new road bike - replete with a garland and a bow! She even took it out for a test ride before we headed out...

Our little 'reindeers' were happy to get to Bob Bob's (which they consider their desert vacation home). This year, we celebrated Christmas Eve with Uncle Bob, Aunt Alice, Bob Bob, Aunt Peggy and my cousin Cameron. We had a delicious casserole, great salad and good conversation.

The next day, Santa had delivered many presents and Cameron enjoyed a few in the morning. By afternoon, we picked up Mom and Dad from the airport and the gift exchange ensued. The pups tore up loose paper and bows were adorned in fashionable style. Princess Juliet, my parents' Yorkie, found her spot and enjoyed Christmas from many a warm and inviting lap.

Christmas evening we went to Uncle Bob and Aunt Alice's house for dinner and challenging games. The evening started with drinks and appetizers and Christmas trivia, we shared fine food and company and a fun family rivalry began with a Miller-bingo game. We were happy to have Lydia and her new husband Scott with us all the way from Sacramento. We all behaved pretty well and didn't pull his leg with too many pretend 'family traditions'!!!




Another picture perfect ending to a beautiful day in Palm Desert.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

The most magical place on Earth

We love living in California and exploring all of the things within driving distance. The Saturday after Thanksgiving we made our maiden voyage to Disneyland! It's only about an hour from our house. We were told of all the beautiful Christmas decorations--and we weren't disappointed. We enjoyed the parade, all the rides (our favorite Space Mountain), the fireworks show and the "snow" after the fireworks.
It is truly a magical place!

Christmas Party 2009

Last night we enjoyed a much needed break from our busy schedules. A few fellow SRNA's (student registered nurse anesthetist) came over to our house for a pre-party drink. Then we headed over to Redlands Country Club for the annual Loma Linda University Hospital Anesthesia Department Christmas Party where we enjoyed seeing our colleagues and mentors in a casual atmosphere.

Our evening of fun didn't end there! We met up with new friends at the Vault Martini Bar in downtown Redlands, then danced the night away at the Boiler Room.
Here are a few pictures from the early evening.

Thanksgiving 2009

We spent Thanksgiving this year with our family in Palm Desert, CA. Bob Bob hosted a wonderful Thanksgiving lunch at the Chaparral Country Club. We were happy to have our friend Raj visiting us and joining in our family festivites along with Peggy & Cameron and Uncle Bob & Aunt Alice.
The guys (Matt, Cameron & Raj) played football before lunch. I am happy to report no injuries or grass stains. Team Raj won!

Raj's Visit to Cali

Our friend Raj came out for a visit.
We started the week's activity by playing a little putt-putt golf.


We couldn't resist stepping into the photo booth for some goofy pictures! A lot more goofy pictures from our crazy Raj week coming soon...

Kristen & Charley's Wedding Weekend - Ladies Luncheon

I was honored to be invited to Kristen's Bridesmaids Luncheon held at her sister Kelly's house and hosted by a wonderful family friend Katherine.
Everything was decorated beautifully and the food was wonderful!

Kristen & Charley's Wedding Weekend - Rehearsal Dinner

Matt's parents hosted a wonderful rehearsal dinner in honor of Kristen and Charley.

It was held at the Horse & Hound Gastropub in Charlottesville, VA. It was a perfect evening to catch up with family and friends. We enjoyed fabulous food including a special fish and chips appetizer. I had a traditional southern dinner, shrimp and grits--which as surprising wonderful as well.

Notice the ornamental cabbage centerpieces that PJ and I decorated the night before!