This was another wonderful Christmas holiday; a little quieter than passed years when the kids were little, but fun all the same.

Andy, Aaron and Adam seemed to have a great Christmas morning. Everyone but Dad and Adam wanted to sleep in, but we compromised and were up at the 'early' hour of 7:30 am.

We had a fun-filled Christmas Eve Dinner and talent show.

Adam competed in his last State Cross Country run for his high school career. He ran the course faster than he's ever run it with a time of 16:34 earning him third place overall. (He was 31 seconds behind the first placer). He worked hard this year and accomplished his goals.

Adam we're proud of you.

Adam on the starting line.
Adam cheeses it for the camera before the race starts

He runs the course.

Top ten 1A State Cross Country runners

Adam finishes State Cross Country in third place.

Time: 16:34!! Best time in four years on this course!

Adam ran Region X Country at the Monticello golf course last week. This is the first time they've run Region on the golf course. His time was 17:43 which is a good time for this grassy, hilly course. He's excited to run State X Country on Wednesday.

Here's the start.
Adam crosses the finish line. Those 3 or 4 runners you see behind him are the girls he lapped. You can't even see the second placer who was several hundred yards behind him!
The team wrote notes on their legs in honor of their coach who's nickname is 'Scooter.'

Aaron recently returned from 18 weeks at Fort Leornardwood in Missouri. He finished Basic at the head of his class for PTs. He was first out of 210 soldiers. AIT was a great experience as he put all his training to the test. He likes blowing up buildings and knocking down doors! Toward the end of AIT the soldiers had to turn in their weapons. That night Aaron woke up in a panic because his weapon wasn't next to him. A couple of his buddies told him he was probably the only soldier that would be sorry to go home! We're glad to have Aaorn home. He will serve one weekend a month with our local National Guard Unit, while he prepares to go on his mission. We're proud of him for his decision to serve his country. Aaron has a deep sense of patriotism.

Aaron carries his battle buddy
Aaron was made 'point man'. That means he's first one in the building, clearing the way for others.
Pvt. Butler gives directions.

This Labor Day, Randy and I and Dee and Lisa rode the Durango Narrow Gauge Train. It was a blast. The weather was cool, but clear and the scenery was awesome. We spent a few hours touring the shops in Silverton, CO and found some "treasures" to bring home. Back in Durango we had dinner at the Ore House and bought lovely chocolates at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. It was a fantastic day.

Aaron in the military

Aaron is training in Missouri. He is working very hard and doing well. He graduates in September. We are very proud of him.