Christmas in San Francisco

Look at the deceptive fall-colored leaves on the tree outside our hotel. Hard to believe it was Christmas Eve looking at that scenery.

The reindeer at the mall reminded us of Christmas.

We were some of the first ones at the mall that morning.

We even beat Santa Claus there. We could have been first in line to sit on his lap.

We hooked up with Abe, Klarissa, Newland and Ben at the Palace Hotel for brunch.

This photo makes me laugh because it looks like Abe is about to eat the centerpiece instead of his food.

We got seated at a table that was pushed right up against the gigantically tall Christmas tree. Abe laid on the floor to see if he could get us and the whole Christmas tree in the photo.

The place was so beautiful and the food was delicious and it was a shame Klarissa had been throwing up in the night and even at the hotel. She was convinced it was the cream in the Krispy Kreme doughnut she ate with the boys the night before.

Despite feeling so yucky, she still looked beautiful and didn't let the yuckies prevent her from joining in on the activities she and Abe had planned for us.

Imagine our surprise when they treated us to a Cirque Du Soleil performance under the big top.

Newland loved wandering around the parking lot. In the background is where BYU would be playing football a couple of days later.

At dinner that evening Newland liked to dip his chopsticks in the soy sauce or use them for drumsticks.

 Glen and I went to IHOP for Christmas morning breakfast.

Ben stayed at Abe and Klarissa's and slept on the couch. We watched "Elf."

Abe was grilling the Christmas turkey outside. I was trying to help out as much as I could to help out Klarissa who was tired and weak from all the throwing up.

 Once again, she didn't let illness hold her back. She whipped up some great side dishes for us.

 Newland was busy trying to figure out how to get the keys to reach the door knob.

Abe was proud to reveal the turkey he had spent the morning grilling.

Newland played with the toys on their back patio. It was so lovely back there. Quite the luxury to have some outdoor space in the city.

 Their apartment is the yellow one on the ground floor.

Ben set the table, we toasted the occasion, we gave thanks for the food and we feasted upon all the good food.

Klarissa reached her limit at the end of dinner, so while she and Newland slept, we cleaned up the dishes and played Bananagrams.

 Ben won.

Quote from Sarah, "He is the least fun person to play games with because he always wins!"