Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving this year was celebrated with my family at my sister Christine's house. Everyone was there. My parents along with my older brother, Galen and his wife Julia, along with Julia's sons Sheldon and Galen's four kids, Austin, Trevor, Dallin & Haleigh. Julia's parents also joined us for dinner. My younger brother Doyle, his wife Jody and their 2 kids, Allie & Ryan. Christine's family including husband Sean, kids: Garrett, Tatum & Dusty. And the youngest, Denise with her husband Cole and their kids, Addison, Lincoln & Linden. With my 6 the total came to 25. Christine's back yard was the perfect size.

Like every year I tried to take a few family pictures in preparation for Christmas. This was our "funny" shot. I think we could take 100 pictures and still not get great ones. So this will have to do for now. I'll see if one of the others makes the cut for our Christmas card. The kids enjoyed the trampoline, playground set and sand box before and after the meal.
Trying to make everything fit on around the buffet table.

Grandpa carving the roasted turkey.

Sean carving the smoked turkey.

Christine, Julia's Mom and Denise arranging and rearranging the table.

One of the kids' table.

It was a nice afternoon with family. The weather was cool but sunny.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Mesa Veteran's Day Parade

It has become a tradition for our family to go to downtown Mesa for the Veteran's Day Parade. This year we picked up Grandma and Papa Hastings and took them with us to the parade. My sister Christine met up with us just before the parade started. She brought 2 of her kids, Tatum and Dusty. Sean had to work and Garrett was at a sleepover.

I took a few pictures of us waiting for the parade to start and then turned the camera over to Jacob and Tyler to take whatever pictures of the parade they wanted to take.

165!

That's how many pictures they took of the parade!

165!

and they killed the battery. But it kept them happy and they got some fun pictures.Aaron, the only picture dedicated child I have. Everyone else could care less that I was taking their picture!

My Mom, Sister Christine and nephew Dusty.I tried to get Dusty to smile, but he wasn't having it!

Aaron and Tatum

Jared

Tyler

When we went to pick up my dad and mom, my dad had old army hats for the boys to wear in honor of Veteran's Day. Tyler wore his the whole time. Aaron's was off and on.
Jared's didn't last out of the car. Jacob wore his for about 5 mins. The best was Aaron thought he got the keep the hat and was surprised when Grandpa asked for it back. Aaron was told he could wear it anytime he visits Grandpa.

Mesa Citizen's Academy Graduation Night

Tonight was graduation from the Mesa Citizen Police Academy. Joe and the boys came along to the ceremony. They had a few speakers and then a slide show presentation, which we all got a copy of. Then they presented us with a certificate and class photo. Then we ate cake, a favorite for the boys.

Jacob was in charge of the camera. He had to "test" to make sure it was working correctly.

Getting my certificate from the Assistant Chief Dvorak.

These are the girls I sat with each week.

On the left, Adrienne Hassan, and on the right Danielle Fallbeck.

It was a very nice ceremony. I thoroughly enjoyed the 12 weeks in the academy. It was a great experience and one I suggest to anyone interested in the workings of the Police Department.

It seems a little weird that it's over. It has become quite the habit to go every Wednesday night to class. I'm sure I'll find other ways to fill my time.

Finally Retake #3

The final retake arrived via mail today! Just in the nick of time. I had a project I've been working on that was time sensitive due to an amazing coupon that expired today. So I can't say how excited I am that the final picture arrived. No more stress regarding this project. It's done, sent off and the coupon was good. This has been the best thing to happen all week. I'll take it!

By way of pictures....Aaron looks great. Kindergarten wears him well.

Retake #2...Tyler's 3rd Grade Picture

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!

Tyler's retake photo came back great!

2 for 2 so far. Hopefully Aaron's comes back great and we'll be 3 for 3!