Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly...

Fa la la la la la la la la...This is one of my favorite times of the year! Lighted trees, stockings, fires in the fireplace, pumpkin-spiced foods, wrapping paper and bows, Christmas music, spending time with family and friends, and, of course, the reason for the season. Mike, Bella, Toby and I look forward to seeing many you when we travel back home for Christmas later this week. Mike and I both look forward to a week off from work (YES!!) and catching up on all things "Texas". Here's a list of a few things we miss from the Lone Star State:

1. Family
2. Friends
3. Tex-Mex (people out here don't know what chile con queso is and think I'm crazy for enjoying ground beef in a bowl of melted cheese)
4. Quality beef
5. A leisurely walk that doesn't entail a rapid onset of heavy breathing and strained calf muscles (aka....flat land...the hills are killer at times)
6. Thunderstorms
7. Kolaches/Pigs in the Blanket (people out here think it sounds gross...who doesn't love a juicy sausage mixed with cheese and wrapped in a croissant?)
8. One grocery store that contains everything you need...oh how I miss HEB! Trips to 2-3 different grocery stores/markets is a bit of a norm out here.
9. Mike misses driving his car...it basically sits on the street.
10. Really hot days.
11. Our Aggies!

I'll be sure to share with you a list of the 10 things we've learned from our first five months in San Francisco soon....it'll make you want to visit this interesting city. :)

Mr. and Miss Santa Paws wish you and your family a very, Merry Christmas!