Year 14

Here's a comic strip I drew up a few years back about a certain, special someone. What is it (besides everything) about this age that plays havoc on one's personality? Eden didn't get one of these... she was inexplicably cheerful. We're collecting material for Evan's version right now. Click to enlarge.

Holidaze

A few photos from the holidays... which were nice, but mostly uneventful. I suppose that's what happens when you don't leave the house for days at a time. Hailey had her 21st birthday– We celebrated at home. This year, as opposed to most, we had her celebration right on Christmas Day instead of making her do the moving over. Tempura for Christmas dinner is a bit unexpected, but not half bad. Eden might dispute this... she's the one kid who hasn't looked kindly on our recent disregard for culinary holiday traditions. Prime rib for Thanksgiving, Fried shrimp for Christmas. What's the problem? Maybe it will just make next year all the better... I think we were overdue for a shake-up.

I never thought I'd say this... at least not in my 40s, but I'm actually looking a bit forward to being a grandparent someday. I suspect it might re-inject some life back into these events. Our kids are great, but they're not full of the same enthusiasm they once were. It's not their fault, they're just older now. They know what they want, they know what they're getting and they know where it comes from. Ignorance or whatever it was, is bliss. It was also contagious... for everyone.

There were plenty of good moments... but maybe my favorite was on Christmas morning... watching Tracy laugh at the way Hailey was wearing her new hat. (both pictured below) Tracy laughs easily, but she only really laughs like this once in a while. The last time might have involved a video that included dancing and an ill conceived hot-dog suit. Ask any of the kids about it. Anyway, these moments are one of our absolute favorite things to see.

January has acted a lot like January. Endlessly cold with a glorious bright spot right around my birthday. Not really. I had planned to take the day off and completely enjoy spending time with Tracy. Instead I worked till six. At least I just put in a half day. It was still nice. Tracy has a way of making things that way.

Flora Meets Fauna

This is one of the four silk-screened posters I received for Christmas. Just bought frames today. I also bought a couple at IKEA. One of them didn't really fit, but I made it work. I broke the other within five minutes of being home. I know their furniture isn't exactly heirloom quality, but seriously? Somehow they've managed to make even glass less durable.

This is that time, right after my colonoscopy, when John Stockton and I sort of had waffles. Didn't really notice until now, but what's up with the way he's sitting? I'm wondering if he's about to spring that "here's the church, here's the steeple" thing on his lunch mate. I like to think he's rehearsing things under the table before the big reveal.

These are the Flip Video Cameras I designed for the company Holiday party.

This is Hailey's car on the street by Hailey's apartment that I dug out of the snow while Hailey slept in Hailey's bed. I may not be the best dad out there, but I think this proves that I'm not the worst.

Not 100% sure this fortune panned out. I'm even less sure how the bee ties in. I'm pretty sure bees are never involved in pleasant surprises.