I finally found all the camera cables (everything disappears when you move!) and uploaded all the pictures off the camera. To my surprise, they went back before Thanksgiving. So, for those who want the more thorough tour, visit our Flickr site. Otherwise, here are the highlights:

Wayne joined us for our annual Thanksgiving party. He has come every year for the past 8 years. He and Ella had a ball playing in her toy chest.

This year we ordered a Heritage turkey from a local farm up in Point Reyes. We ordered before we had a confirmed headcount for dinner, and this happened to be a small year but a big bird. Somehow we decided since I was taking the day before Thanksgiving off, it would be a fun family outing to drive up to Point Reyes to pick up the turkey. But no one else could come with me — so I drove 4 hours round trip by myself. But the turkey was delicious, and well worth all the extra effort.

After the “Big Move” (and it was — so it deserves caps and quotes, believe me). We decided to do something Christmasy. We hadn’t decorated the old flat – because we were moving, and it didn’t make sense to decorate the new falat because we were traveling to SLC for the holiday. So one Saturday we decided to take the bus downtown, and hop on a cable car. Ella had never been on a cable car – despite living in San Francisco her whole life. I guess we don’t have many new visitors anymore… Anyway, she loved it. She was entranced with the break man, and could hardly peel her eyes from him to enjoy the amazing views.

Then we walked down to Union Square to check out the Christmas tree and the ice skating rink. Elle will have to wait another year or two to try skating, but she loves to watch the kids go by.

Before we left for SLC we had to open presents from Meme and Papa, since we wouldn’t be seeing them for Christmas. Ella was very excited, and opened all the presents — even those that weren’t for her.

The next morning we set out for our 12 hour drive to SLC. As soon as we got there, we had to pack it up and drive over to Ann and Lon’s house for the annual family party. They even had a Santa! Ella’s last experience a week or two before with a neighborhood Santa had not gone well, so we figured she would not be excited to see this one. We were so wrong. We kept having to pry her off his lap so another kid could have a turn.

After Santa, and a huge buffet dinner there was the annual nativity play. We haven’t been to SLC in about 7 years for Christmas, and had no idea how the production had evolved. Costumes were sewn – no more bring your own bathrobe! All the grandchildren were sheep. Yep… Elle was the only black sheep. Oh, but she loved it. She ran up to me, in costume and said “Mama! I’m a sheep! Baaaaaaa”

Christmas morning at Grandma and Grandpa’s house

We had a wonderful time, but are glad to be back home, settling into our new house and enjoying the new year.

The entire month of December was one bit of craziness on top of another. The big news – we moved! We bought a flat in the Central Richmond district of San Francisco. The timing fell that we were packing up right after Thanksgiving and moved in before we left for SLC for Christmas. It was incredibly hectic, but we’re all moved now and loving it.

We drove out (dog and child buckled in tight) to SLC for Christmas with Alex’s family. We had a fabulous time, and Ella loved playing with her cousin Gray. Eventually I’ll pull all the photos off our camera and upload.

Things are back to normal now. Ella has graduated to a twin size bed leaving her crib behind with the old house. She’s taken to the change remarkably well, and hasn’t looked back. We’re deep into potty training, and she is doing very well – even testing the waters with training pants! Our next challenge is researching a preschool for her come Fall.

Ella talks up a storm. Her favorite things are to ask you “what happened?,” “you okay, Mommy?,” and “como estas?” Alex has also taught her to count to 10 in German — which she does usually by shouting the numbers. Her favorite being “fumpf!” She loves to help in the kitchen, and enjoys doing dishes.

Amidst all the folks who talk about how bad 2009 was, it was a great year for us. Alex stayed very busy at work, as did I. And Ella is growing and amazing us day after day. 2010 looks to be even more eventful and exciting. Can’t wait.