Two days left till surgery. Christmas holiday prep work has really ramped up since we seem to be trying to fit in every Christmas tradition before heading up to L.A. on Wednesday. We cut down the tree last week, and Tuesday night we plan to have our jaunt around the neighborhood enjoying the Christmas lights. We took our own lights down early this year after an overloaded circuit caused an outlet to catch fire. We are incredibly lucky the couch and insulation somehow didn't ignite. More miracles!

We've had some busy but great days recently. On Saturday, we went to a carcinoid cancer conference in L.A. We were happy to have access to a lot of the major experts in one room. It was also nice to meet a few other people with carcinoid cancer. We didn't meet anyone with thymic carcinoid, but it was still nice to hear other people's stories and feel part of the "family you didn't want to join," as one woman put it. Our friends Chaana and Noam put us up for the night. It was so nice laughing and chatting with them. After the conference we had a great dinner with my brother's family and my mom. It's always fun to see them (and we will be seeing a lot more of them soon as we are staying with them during Scott's hospital stay). And on Sunday while I worked my last shift before going on leave, Scott and Maz got to visit with Scott's stepdad BobBob.

We also felt so blessed to get a visit from our Philly friend, Denis. Denis asked to be put to work, so now the porch is swept, the Christmas lights have been attended to and the inside of the house is sparkling. Thanks, Denis.

Today, our friend Stacy took Maz to the movies after school and Scott and I enjoyed a super low tide at the beach. So nice to spend some time relaxing before the big day. After a sunset walk, we met up with Denis to catch the very tail end of the sunset and we were also lucky enough to run into our good pal Pendo, post-surf session. It's always fun to hear his animated accounts of the day's waves. Tonight I made one of Scott's favorite meals: pesto pasta. The basil came from Monica and Eric's garden and it was AMAZING! Thanks, guys!

Maz working hard to cut down this year's Christmas tree.

Today at the beach.

What a sunset!

With our good buddy, Denis! Miss you Denis. California is always willing to take you back.

Scott and Pendo

Pesto!