Kevin, Courtney (Eric's girlfriend), Eric, Me, Matt & Brenden
...was an absolute blast! All 100 of Jared's classmates were invited to the Dean's house (the Dean's son is in Jared's class) for a Christmas potluck, ugliest sweater contest, Christmas carole singing and gingerbread house making. It was so fun! Jared's class loves to get together and we all know how to have a good time. It is so cool to see how these students, as stressed and overwhelmed as they are, will take a time out to share a meal, laugh, and let the stress of anatomy, biochem, and tooth morphology go by the wayside. Jared and I both agree that these 4 years of dental school will probably be some of the most intense and yet FUN years of our life.
Tim, Jared and Kevin
This is Kevin...like his Christmas sweater? :)
After dinner, singing some Christmas caroles in the living room. We even had a piano player and guitar to back us up. :)
Had to put this picture in Jared took the other day after the mountians got dusted with snow. We've had some rain here in Loma Linda lately, which means the mountains are getting snow and the view is incredible! The big white buildings in the middle is the Loma Linda campus/hospital.
We went down to Old Town Temecula the day after Christmas for fun. Patrice and Kristina both had to go home to work, but Ryan joined us after having Christmas with his family. Took mom and dad to our favorite coffee place in So. Cal., Cafe Bravo and then all had dinner at the Yardhouse that night. Fun and relaxing way to spend the day after Chrismtas...Jared and Ryan got friendly with the baristas. :)
Mom made all of us aprons. Each person's fabric matched their likes. :)
Dad and me
B and Wayne got all of us girls matching Roxy beach bags...
A Pike Christmas morning tradition-mom's almond breakfast round. This piece of culinary artwork is delicious and a total treat on Christmas!
Kristina and Patrice joined us Christmas morning-they drove out to Palm Springs from Huntington Beach and met us just in time to open stockings.
Merry Christmas to my love!
A Christmas Eve night cap for Alla and I.
Uncle Wayne and Aunt B 
Dad and Jared took a drive on Christmas Eve day up the San Jacinto mountains to Idyllwild for a "man outing." What is is about guys and exploring? :)
Alla and I making our green and red italian Christmas Eve meal. We made ravioli with a tomato, pancetta and arugula sauce; traditional bruschetta and an olive garden green salad. There's nothing I love more than being in the kitchen with my family!
Candy Cane cookies...they were always us girl's favorite christmas cookie growing up and it still is even though we are all grown up. We make these no matter where we are for the holidays!
Aunt B and me
