New Years Eve

 K Dawg and I went shooting at Shooter's World in the afternoon. I had a gift card from my birthday to use. More expensive than our usual site, obviously, but still a good time.

That evening we started a new tradition of eating at Ruster's Rooste. We miss the old Northwood's in Pasadena, CA, but the Rooste is an admirable fill-in.


Edward was content with the choice.



Poppy met us there from work. It was cold & rainy, which eliminated fireworks later on at home.

Fiesta Parade

This year Paul and his kids joined us downtown for the Fiesta Parade. The kids, for some reason, were overly excited to see and hug the Arizona Cardinal.

New Bike Rack

For my Christmas break project this year I built a wooden bike rack for the garage. It was getting pretty disorganized in there with all the bikes laying about. I ended up using some old blue paint to give it a little color.

Finished product.

St. Stephen's Day Hike

Every year on St. Stephen's Day/Boxing Day, we hike up the mountain east of Squaw Peak. This year I carried Edward on my back and TF part of the way on my shoulders.

Xmas

We were unable to save any photos from Xmas, so here's the collage Bobbins made for our cards.

Caroling

Continued our new tradition of having friends over in our front yard and driveway to eat chili, drink, and go caroling in the neighborhood. The photo at left is Edward and Francie.

School Xmas Program

They didn't do a ton this year, just the kids singing some songs. Bobbins did a tremendous job getting the girls ready, including their hair. They looked fantastic. Margaret got stuck in the back, so no photos of her. JoJo was nervously shy & smiley. Really nice evening to see everyone together and all the schoolchildren. The school is getting really big!

Nutcracker Show

Took the girls to our annual outing to see the Nutcracker, this time on Sunday, which was a little cheaper than Saturday.

Decorating the Xmas Tree

Margaret didn't break any ornaments this year, and Edward got his first turn putting the angel on top.

Like Father, Like Son

Block Boys

Make Those Beds Soldier!

Another Devils Win

Thoroughly enjoyed the Sun Devils come-back win against the Wildcats, who blew a 19 point lead in the 4th quarter, in Tucson. Good to see Herm get his first win against the Stink of A and Sumlin. Go Devils!

Bedtime

Party with the Pearsons

Our friends had folks over to enjoy their renovation and backyard.

Hanging with the Girls

The girls took advantage of Black Friday and the long weekend to get plenty of shopping in.

T Day at the Compound

Not sure what happened to the other photos, or if Bobbins took any, but we had a nice Thanksgiving out at her folks' house. Mike and his kids came over from CA. My mom and Coach came out with us. These are the only two other photos I could find:

T Day Hike

Went out to Dreamy Draw with friends for our annual Thanksgiving morning hike.

Annual Vets Day Hike

Out near Payson. Cold (the high was in the low 40s) but still a good time. I had been skeptical because of the low temp's, but it ended up working out and being a great time. Once again, Bobbins was right.

X-mas Photo

Taken outside church.

On the Field at Homecoming

Poppy and the four kids and I went out to ASU for homecoming. Aunt Katie and Uncle Zach joined us. It was fun to walk around and see what each of the colleges/schools put on. There was a lot, and a bunch of free stuff to go with it. We went to the football game that afternoon. One of the perks of my job is getting to know an ASU police officer who always works ASU home games. He allowed us to come on to the field before the game and for the players' entrance. It was awesome! Poppy got to come down with us. Quite an experience.