Hello 2022

In many ways 2021 was much like 2020 - especially as it pertains to the pandemic. It also included new variants and vaccine mandates. After two years, we are all so weary of Covid and the constant shifts it brings to living with a sense of normalcy. Time continued, though, life still happened, and 2021 took us to new places, new jobs, and new experiences. 

Evan graduated from high school, successfully completed a semester in college, rushed and pledged AGR, and learned how to study. Really study. 

Keagan toured dozens of college campuses, won the MVP award for his high school soccer team, took the ACT two more times (improved his score every time), and delved deeper into the recruiting process. 

Kacey started a new assignment at the same school as an interventionist, was named as a state finalist for an excellence in teaching award, and completed a dri-triathlon. 

Wes created a music room in the bonus room, mastered new songs on his guitar, and provided the evidence to win a big case at work. 

In short, 2021 brought our family many reasons to celebrate! I hope 2022 brings us continued good health and a trip to Peru. And if I want to push my luck, I’ll be happy to put away all of my masks, too. 

Hello, 2022! Be good to us! 

Christmas Vacation is Here

We came home today and did the "It's Christmas Break!" dance. Which basically means I danced, Wes took a nap, Evan perused random football videos on the computer, and Keagan played video games. So maybe it was really like any other day in our house.

We celebrated our first night of vacation by going out for Mexican. We spent way too much money on baskets of chips and salsa. Evan decided he needed to walk it all off, so we drove downtown to the walk-through Christmas light display.

The boys smiled only because we promised that they would get to open a Christmas gift if they stood long enough to snap a picture. I think Keagan's eyes might give you an idea of the real thoughts behind those smiles. Apparently, taking pictures in public is the absolute worst thing you can be asked to do. I mean what if someone sees you standing in front of the tree smiling? It's the worst. I mean the worst.

But I got my picture.

Thanksgiving Holiday

This year we spent Thanksgiving in Texas. It was everything a Thanksgiving should be filled with family, food, and football.

We especially enjoyed our time with the little ones. A visit wouldn't be the same if my boys didn't leave a lasting impression on the girls. This trip they perfected the use of the word, "DUDE!" We, on the other hand, will never hear the song "The Boys 'Round Here" the same. These two had their own version that went something like "Chew Bucket, Chew Bucket, Chew Bucket, Spit."

With the other side of the family, we ate our weight in fried venison for dinner, drank Big Red soda like it was water, and took the kids for a ride on the John Deer tractor. There's just not another way to do a holiday in East Texas.

The boys were content to sit back and enjoy the Texas countryside....until they decided trees would make excellent hiding spots and hiding spots mean enemy attacks and enemy attacks mean battles with the Russians. One broken gun later the Russians retreated and the boys were back to hanging out on the hay bales.

We recognize that too few military families are afforded the opportunity to spend the holiday with their families. We are lucky to live only a day's drive from "home" and blessed to have family that always welcomes our visits. For this we are thankful.