Home Sweet Home

Sunday morning Mark and I got on the road again headed back for AZ and CA.  This trip was a little more taxing than the one out to Louisiana.  Mark had spent the previous night with the runs and finally throwing up right before we left.  Alyssa also had thrown up the night before.  This time I was feeling much better so I drove the lion's share on the way home.  Mark had downloaded some Tom Clancy books on his ipod so we enjoyed one on the way out and one on the way back.  Brooklyn had a few melt downs.  One where she unbuckled herself out of her car seat and hugged my neck as she cried.  She was crying because I would not let her sit on my lap.  That episode ended when Brooklyn ripped one in my brother's face.  

The next morning after arriving to Maricopa, I loaded up our wagon and got in the car....and it wouldn't start.  I thought it might be the battery so I took the battery over to Autozone to get it tested.  The battery was just fine.  I put the battery back in, unloaded the car, and called my insurance company to get the car towed to nearest volvo dealer for repairs.  Before the tow truck arrived, I got in the car and tried to start it one last time....and guess what... it started!  So I loaded the car back up with it running, cancelled the tow truck, and took off.  I was a little nervous when we had to stop 15 minutes later and fill up with gas, but no problems.  We made it back to San Diego in a little over 5 & 1/2 hours.

Tina was there when we arrived and she had brought Brooklyn a nice surprise... a hand crafted, one of a kind, Jim McKendrick specialty wagon!  Completely custom with room enough for four.  Thanks, Jim.

David and I rocking out with Hayden on the drums.
Here's a picture of Paige, Breyton, and Brooklyn during the open house.
Here's Michelle preparing for the open house.  All of the food was delicious.  

Saturday night we had an open house to celebrate Eric & Cindy's wedding, TJ & Michelle's wedding, and Rebecca & Taber's engagement.  By this time, I was so addicted to guitar hero that we played for about 30 minutes right before the open house began.  I was actually surprised that people came because it was like a monsoon outside.  The weather even knocked the power out for a few seconds.

Guitar Heros!

Friday night we all rocked out playing guitar hero while most of the girls did some crafts.  It was so much fun that we had to have a sign up sheet that filled up 2 pages front and back to make sure everyone got a chance to play.  

Bowling Badgers

The Friday after Christmas, all of the boys went over to the Kelty's house and played some mud football and baseball.  It brought back some great memories of summers growing up where the most difficult thing was deciding, "What am I going to have fun doing today?"  Even Joe and Rob Kelty were there.  It was great!

We then headed over to the bowling alley where my parents had once again rented out for a few hours.  Desirae stayed home with Ian and took a much needed nap while Brooklyn and I had a blast.  I bowled on the same lane as my Dad.  I didn't realize how good of a bowler my Dad is?!  I found out that he used to bowl every Saturday on one of the bases that he grew up on.  Who knew?  I don't remember exactly what I bowled...I believe it was around 180, but the more important thing is I had the highest score of the day....and yes, we're all competitive.  Brooklyn also had a great time with some of her younger cousins bowling with the bumpers on.  Thanks, Rebecca for helping all of the little ones with their first bowling experience.

Christmas Day!

The long awaited day had finally come.  Needless to say it was a bit crazy, but I think everyone was pretty happy with what they received...Mom and Dad were very generous.  (Thanks Mom and Dad for Guitar Hero!  I'm still rocking out!)  Brooklyn got new monkey pajamas, a tutu, and fairy wings in addition to many other gifts.  She was also more than happy to help Ian open his gifts.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve David and Jana organized the recreation of the Nativity.  They did an excellent job.  Desirae and I assisted with Desirae on the piano and me on wardrobe duty.  Uncle David video taped the entire show as it unfolded.

Later that night, Tracy, Jana, and I spent a couple of hours trying to figure out how to fit everyone in the same room with all of the gifts.  I think that it worked out pretty well. 

Mustache Contest

Tuesday night after the skating rink fun, my brothers and I finalized the sculpting of our mustaches for the contest.  The bottom picture is of my beard before the final product pictured previously.  We never really had an official vote so I'll leave it up to each of you to decide who had the best mustache.  I just laugh each time I see these photos...I think we all look hilarious.