Buddies Visit

My old college buddy Rek was in town to visit his sister, so brought Bre, Anthony, and Anna up to our house for Sunday BBQ. C came down from Surprise and Feather brought B and the girls. My mom & Coach were over too. We had a lot of fun playing in the backyard, then in the front, mostly baseball. Really good to see everyone and hang out.

Fiesta Parade

We made it down to the Fiesta Parade this year, which added significance because Ohio St. was playing in the game that evening. Great to see the band march by us and play. It was freezing cold, but we still had a good time, facilitated, as usual, by our friends Will and Megan. It was too cold for Megan and she walked home.

New Laundry Basket Cubby Cabinet

As part of the new Laundry Palace, Bobbins wanted a cabinet with cubbies for laundry baskets. She designed it herself and gave me the plans. She acquired another countertop from Ikea and the rest of the boards from Home Depot. It came together fairly nicely.

Annual Boxing Day / St. Stephen's Day Hike

Xmas Day

We spent the day eating & drinking, and of course doing a puzzle. I upped the ante this year with a 750 piece pic of Phoenix that was quite hard. Katie wouldn't let us quit without finishing, so about 3am (on the 26th) we finally went to bed. But it was finished.

Xmas Morning

Owen swore he heard Santa on the roof during the night. The kids were up about 6am. Once Nana T and Poppy arrived, we started opening gifts and eating sweet rolls. Tip had a pretty good first Xmas. Of course, he was the best gift of all.

Xmas Eve

 The big hit this year was that Winchester pump action .22 rifle. It was the same rifle that Bobbins' dad learned to shoot on, and he found one for the boys. They were thrilled.

MM's 3rd Place

The St. Joan of Arc Knights Council sponsored a Keep Christ in Christmas poster contest, and Margaret decided to enter. She ended up winning third place in her age group.

Shots Leading up to Xmas

In the days before the big day, Bobbins took Margaret and Owen to a play, the kids to the zoo, and some last minute decorating at the house.

Visit to Doug

We visited our old neighbor Doug, who was looking quite good and healthy, unlike last year. Really good to see him and catch up. He was a great neighbor.

School Xmas Program

Owen was one of the house owners who rejected Joseph & Mary, then one of the shepherds who came to adore baby Jesus.








The girls' classes just sang a song each.

My Entry for the Ugly Sweater Contest at Our Work X-mas Breakfast

That's my buddy Casey, btw.


Everyone applauded my cleverness but I didn't take home the trophy.











You can see the other entries here.

Annual Nutcracker with the Girls

Top Golf at Chase Field

Katie bought tickets for Top Golf at Chase Field for Uncle Jack, my Dad, Zach, and I for Christmas. We had a nice dinner downtown before heading over. They make most of their money on food & alcohol, so it was too rich for our blood. They also put us in a bay with another couple when their other bays wide open. Despite that, we had plenty of fun. Everyone thought the car in the bubble was a prize you could win if you hit. Unfortunately, it was not to be won, but it was the highest points, so everyone went after it. One round I was able to hit it every time, a perfect score, and I won the round. A great present and fun time, but probably a one-off.

Gingerbread Houses at Home

Just a Little Foursquare in the Neighbor's Driveway

Gingerbread Houses at School

A Glimpse of a Future?

Aunt Susan gave us her old wedding dress since Becky did not want it. Bobbins decided to have some veils made out of it. JoJo decided to try it on.

Uncas & Tip for a Spin

The fastest way to exercise Uncas is to take him on a bike ride. Tip also enjoys coming along. You can also see the all the laundry room stuff we were still storing in the garage, awaiting cabinets from Bobbins' parents' house. (They were getting new kitchen cabinets.)

We Were Goofing on Becky & Brian

Casters and Roasters Day

Since Margaret was in kindergarten, I've always taken the kids out for a fun day on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. This year TF and E got to go, to Castle and Coasters over on I-17, which Owen calls Casters & Roasters. The kids are out of school, and it's a weekday, so it's cheap.