December

December was full of holiday fun with family, neighbors, and friends. My family came to visit in SD as well as Dan's brother Dave, his wife Patti, and their kids-Jenna and Scott. We were able to do many of the "tourist" things including Disneyland and the USS Midway that has been converted to a museum. The picture depicts the view from up on the bridge. The planes are tethered to the deck of the ship. It was an interesting trip. One thing that made it extra cool was that Dan's youngest brother joined us and he spent many years as a ship builder for NASCCO here in SD. He worked building and repairing many navy ships and could give us all kind of little known nuggets of information. The ship is enormous and if you have the opportunity to take this tour it is well worth the $18 even without "Uncle Ron's" extra tidbits.

The New Year was brought in at Dan's mom's home with the Ohio relatives, Ron, and us. Jay and Heidi decided on a quiet evening at their home. We ordered in food and played Wii. We almost made it until midnight, but came home about 11:45. Actually we walked in the door in time to see the "ball drop" in Central Square, but what a bummer-no ball drop anymore. Singing New York, New York was a huge letdown.

Dan and I are preparing for our next adventure. We are going to the Holy Land in early February. There is a small group of us going from our church as a part of a tour. There will be about 16 of us all together including some extended family members of our hosting couple. We will be gone for 10 days. Of course I will update you on the trip when we return.