the one with a December recap

December went by quickly, but it was full of Christmas fun!

In mid-December, we went to the annual Michael W. Smith Concert, which is always a favorite.  The Meyerson Symphony Center looks beautiful and really helps get me in the Christmas spirit.  

Smitty on stage

The Flores Fam (minus my FIL)

The Grahams and The Floreses

My law firm had a festive Christmas party at the Hotel Palomar.  Brian got to meet several of my co-workers and we had a good time.  We snuck down to the bar during the party to watch RGIII win the Heisman.  Afterward, we went out for a nightcap at Hibiscus.  It was fun to have a little date night!

My fancy drink at Hibiscus

The next weekend we were invited to an intern/volunteer Christmas party George and Laura!  This is an awesome perk of Brian's internship at the George W. Bush Institute.  Their home is beautiful - clean, modern lines with a soothing colors and a nice collection of art.  They also have a gorgeous backyard with a fire place.  We took a picture with W. and Laura when we arrived, then mingled and nimbled.  We got to spend a few minutes talking with the President.  His advice:  shoot for your dreams, but be realistic and open to change.  What a neat opportunity!

Our invite!
I'll post the picture whenever we get it!

Later that night, we had dinner with Matt and Nena at Coal Vines - a fun pizza place - before heading to my brother's birthday party.  He turned 20 + 11 (aka 31) in 2011.  The party was a re-do of his 30th birthday bash at the House of Blues with his friend Eric.  We celebrated Scott's actual birthday with a family dinner too.  

The Grahams and The Floreses 

The Caldwell Family:
Scott, Mimi, Mom, Dad, Me and Brian

In the midst of the craziness, we couldn't forget our pup.  Latte enjoyed a few hours at the park with her beloved ball on Christmas Eve's Eve.  What would we do without this dog and her ball?

During December, we also went to a few Christmas gatherings with friends, drove around to look at lights and did lots of shopping and eating.  It was a festive Christmas season - very merry and bright!!  

I hope you had a fun Christmas season too!  

My Christmas recap is coming soon...