Photo session with Patrick Ang Photography Studios

Brother-in-law who can make any subject look beautiful? Can you say "score"? Francis and I were hanging out on the steps outside the Go-Karting place in Bakersfield when Patrick started snapping shots. We acted silly because we didn't think he could possibly get any good shots. The sky was an ugly gray. The building was an ugly gray. My coat was an ugly gray. As usual, Pat made our jaws drop when he slid the edited photos over to us later that evening.

This is Francis and me practicing the tango, which we learned during our date night at a local ballroom dancing place a week ago.

It's a Girl!

Our niece is gonna be a girl! Haha. Patrick and Christine waited for us to be with them before they went to find out the sex of their baby. At 4+ months, Chris has a cute little bump and a head swirling with baby names. At the ultrasound, the technician picked out the tell-tale "three lines" immediately. I was like, "Why does my niece look like a swirling pile of gray?" I just took her word for it. Three things I know for sure, though:

1. My niece will be beautiful.
2. My niece will be smart.
3. My niece will be spoiled.

(which has nothing to do with Auntie Joanna and Uncle Francis, of course)

Thanksgiving in Bakersfield, CA

Patrick and Christine hosted us for a very relaxing holiday weekend. I slept 12 hours one night, and Francis exclaimed, "You never sleep that much!" Oh, it's Thanksgiving, and it's on. We scored some great photos courtesy of Patrick. The first few show us visiting a little holiday light show in a local park in Bakerfield. Light displays, hot apple cider, fresh kettle corn, a carousel, and a little train, Dorney-Park style.

One day we visited a Go-Karting place. Pat and I went head to head, and he lapped me...almost twice. (Probably because I was spending so much time waving to Francis during my photo op)

Francis's 26th Birthday

I am leading with this horrendous photo because, well, he deserves it. Francis was in a particularly silly mood the night we and 15 friends went to BJ's Restaurant in Foster City to celebrate his birthday. He ate an entire rack of ribs, fries, and soup, as promised. I couldn't get him to stop making stupid faces to save my life. Check out the video. That's my honey! Take it or leave it.

Our friends were extremely gracious, considering the fact that I forgot to make a reservation so we had to wait an hour and a half for a table. (!)

My pal Madeline, wife of Francis's good friend from high school. She is 5 months pregnant and barely showing since she is a little Korean doll. Literally.

The OG boys, Phil and Damon.

Johann, Jonathan, and Andrea.

Great gift Danielle! Basketball + Jesus = Perfect gift for Francis.