Christmas 2009

It was great to be back in AZ with family so soon after being there for Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, Chance and Angela were not with us , but they had a fun time in San Antonio visiting Angela's family. We got there in time to see Emmet's last flag football game of the year and enjoy the AZ sunshine. We took Kira and kids to the Polar Express train ride in Williams, AZ and spent some time with my sister Kay and her husband Kevin. The grandkids loved the Polar Express and all the snow in Flagstaff. It was hard to believe that we could leave a snowstorm in Flagstaff and be in 70 degree weather in less than three hours back in Phoenix.

Chris and Jenny were in from CA and spent most of the holidays with us. Chris wrapped up his first semester of dental school and loves what he is learning. Only 3 1/2 years to go!

This was the first year that we didn't put up any decorations in our Mesa home. We spent Christmas day with Kira and enjoyed all of the decorating that she did. We could also leave all of the mess from opening presents at her house. For only the second time in over 20 years, we didn't have a Christmas Eve open house. Too many of our friend's families are grown and gone. We instead spent a great time at the Hawkins (Kira's in-laws) and enjoyed a terrific dinner and program.

2009 certainly had its positives and negatives. I am still saddened by the passing of both of my parents, thrilled to have Angela become part of our family and to see Chris start dental school. I am looking forward to a quiet, uneventful 2010?!




The Ogao's, our good friends from Milwaukee. Jared, Heidi, Marley, and Jake (not shown) are now in Phoenix. Jared is doing his surgery residency there.


Kira, Jenny, and Kathy hiking A mountain in Tempe.


Emery, Kira, and Kathy at my sister Kay's home in Flagstaff.


Kira and kids enjoying the snow.