Merry Christmas from our family

At Melinda's Christmas eve celebration, this turns out to be one of our best photos of the year.

The children's mass at Holy Name of Jesus, Rachel sang in the choir, the boys were altar servers, and we were joined by our dear friends, the Albers', in from New Orleans.

Christmas eve morning began with the annual Cocoa Beach "Surfin Santa" celebration, with well over 150 Santas in the surf.  A fun family event on the beach this beautiful day

Tree Burn: Ode to the Zone

You from the Stateside never know
In Panama, land of no snow

Only way we get a tree
Comes from far, across the sea

Jungle trees are everywhere
But ones for Christmas, none to spare

Off the ship, they come a finally
A pretty price, we pay a plenty

This tradition we hold so dear
Follows Christmas every year

Gifts all open, its time to pillage
Through my little Zonian village

Barefoot gangs of motley boys
For these days, abandon toys

Off for the tree hunt search they go
Inspecting high , the crew search low

Through the drives, streets, and places
A frantic pace of searching races

There,! its spotted laying down
A fir treasure let me drag it round

The distant canal is ever flowing
Through the town the search keeps going

Rival boy gangs ends in fight
Dragging trees throughout the night

A grand pile grows in the yard
Look close for the youth guard

A vigil kept through day and night
Beds are fashioned ne’er sleeping tight

One eye open to guard this treasure
Gold and silver by any measure

The guarded pile grows, never losing sight
Of the soon to come glorious night

The yearly ritual, Christmas tree burn
Where each spectator takes his turn

Into the blaze the tree is tossed
Its Christmas value never lost

A grand fire casts bright light and heat
Crackles and pops at every seat

As the glorious blaze casts its cheer
Goodbye to Christmas this CZ year

Dad this Christmas season

Dad was a bit more alert this day, and Mom sent me a picture to see him at Christmas time

9th grade CB letterman

Dylan is checking in, taller than his Dad?

Awarded his first Varsity letter for swimming in the 9th grade.  Dad proud.

 

RIP Captain Rob

Jingle Ball Jam

November Camporee Boy Scouts

Thanksgiving surf fest

Thanksgiving clean up

Thanksgiving day festivities

The Whole Enchilada

This picture is one of multiple spectacular views from the Porcupine Ridge.  This was on a trail called the Whole Enchilada.  We took an hour shuttle ride from the town of Moab up above the tree line nearing 11,000'.  The temperature at the start of this ride was 40 degrees, and we were gasping for air as we made our first ascent to the summit.  Starting down the backside of the ridge, we first encountered 20 degree declines with sketchy switchbacks.  As we continued our descent, we travelled 35 miles, 7000 feet descent, 3 climate changes, and  8 hours of fun.  Phew.

October MTB trip

My mountain bike heroes from circa USN days.  Tom, Mac and I hit the trails for some great fun in Moab.

MTB trip to Moab

Entering one of the greatest outdoor fun states in this great United States!!!!!