Ward and Tip at Bedtime

Yes, it's cool he can climb like that, but also a little unnerving.

Owen's Actual B-day

This before school, when he's not normally so chipper.


But it was a special day for him at school. They had something in his classroom, and the whole school sang him happy birthday.

Owen's B-day Party

Standard outdoor party, since it's actually nice out during O's b-day. Featha, B, and kids made it down.

We also had a special guest all the way from Tennessee: my cousin Jonathan and his girlfriend Jess. His mother is my mom's niece. They were driving around the country in her RV, seeing the sites and using their gym membership to take showers. Bobbins, of course, told them to park a night on our street and hook up to our electrical box, which they readily accepted (they could turn their heater on that way). They also loved Uncas and had him sleep in their bed. It was fun and different and a little uncomfortable. They hiked our mountain the next day before taking off for Colorado. Wish I could've joined them on the hike, but I had work.

Aspiring TV Journalist?

Date Night at Barrett-Jackson

We packed a lot in on the 18th. It was also our date night. We had never been to the Barrett-Jackson auto auction at Westworld before. Bobbins scored us some free tickets via a lady she buys make-up from. We enjoyed watching a bit of the auction and walking around to see all of the cars.

Yee Haw

AZ March for Life

The afternoon after the first soccer game saw the older 4 and I heading downtown for the AZ March for Life. The kids' school had a good turn-out, and we saw a lot of our friends.

TF's First Soccer Game

Owen had so much fun in soccer the previous year, we signed up TF. I agree to coach his team. They didn't give us traditional colored jerseys but red and white switch-out's. TF was #1 for his first game. Just like with Owen, I wasn't sure how he would do in his first 'real' game, but he took it over. He was adept in dribbling the ball around opponents and had no problem taking it all the way to goal. He put 5 or 6 in the first game until I held him back on defense. Pretty proud to see him get after it like that.

Tick Infestation

Bobbins had to do a major clean-out and disinfectant of the coop.

TF's Afternoon with Papa at Uncle Paul's

Just a Usual Sunday BBQ

Hike Up Our Mountain

I think this was Ward's first time all the way up by himself, and Christo's first time up at all. The mountain just west of us, which we walk to, is a great hike with tremendous views of the Valley. Sure appreciate living here.

On the Couch

What they should be doing:

What they're normally doing on that couch:

Bundle of Joy and Kickoff

Christo in the bob stroller and TF showing off his skills.

New Years Eve / New Years Day

We went down to Rustler's Rooste for New Years Eve dinner. Bobbins had a lot to drink, so the next day was recovery. We lit up some sparklers on New Years evening. Most of the day was spent watching football. I did two pool's this year, which was quite fun. I really enjoy it.

We had planned to go to Pasadena for the Rose Parade, driving Mike's RV, but it didn't work out logistically or financially.

Old Tri-State Stuff

I got a bunch of old Tri-State stuff from my dad, and went through it while being off for the holidays. Found the newsletter in which I first appeared, as a new employee, which coincidentally was Jim's anniversary of one year. The green carpet in the bathroom was obviously where my grandmother got the idea. Instant transport back to her house (which I miss a lot).