It always amazes me at just how fast 12 months goes in between writing these family letters. Way too fast !! Unlike the pace of time when thinking of work. In any event, it has been a fun year and the first full year of grandparenthood for Debbie and I. You will see an increased number of Annie pictures included in this issue….I’m not sure how that happened. Yes I do….Just being a good grandparent, I suppose.
Our winter here in North Texas last year was very cold. January and February were brutal months. We made sure Annie had hats, and shoes and coats….although she never wore them for longer than a minute.
 |
| Another silly hat, the grandparents got me .. |
 |
| She does LOVE the U-verse !! |
We had several snowfalls early this year which is becoming more and more to be expected in North Texas.
We saw the changes in our climate this past year with the severity of the winter and the severe drought conditions we experienced through much of the summer and fall.
In late March early April, a change in our annual bluebonnet hunting plans, found us out in California for a little golf and a visit to Jessica’s new house. We first stayed out in Palm Springs in a Condo Jess arranged for us. The weather was very nice [still not hot in March] we visited several golf courses in Palm Desert and Indio. We also toured Joshua Tree National Park. A very scenic drive thru the park offers many desert views and beautiful plants for the observers’ enjoyment.
After the our desert stay we went west to Redlands, and Jessica’s home. As you may recall Jess bought this house last year when returning from her assignment in Pittsburgh. It was our first visit to her new abode. Located on a very quiet street the house is perfect for Jess. A Goldilocks’ home – not too big and not too small, just right for Jess, and her 2 feline friends, Tony and Gus. While we were in Redlands visiting Jess, the Redlands Bike Classic was taking place. It is a multi-day race that takes place in and around the city of Redlands. I am told that many bike clubs use this tournament as a warm-up for the Tour De France. It was awesome just to be spectator. We took in the race for several days… it was fun. View this video
May and June were just great weatherwise here in North Texas... before the swealerting temps moved in...we had fun with Annie in the backyard -
Late June thru Mid-September we basically avoided the out of doors because of the temps. However we all did make the trip to the 2011 FFR [Foushee Family Reunion] held at beautiful LAKE MARTIN, ALABAMA !!! Yes, we never heard of either - but it turned out to be the most beautiful lake.
Jess and Cousin Dan planned this years get-together and it was great !! We had an awesome house right on the lake - it had sleeping for everyone, a huge kithen for Uncle Jim and Aunt G-Gay to romp in - a huge living room for the kids(young and old) to play in, and a great dock on the lake to swim from..... Everyone had a great time..
Everyone participates somehow in these reunions. This year Cousin Jane brought the makings for a Minute-to-Win-IT tournament. Most of the family members participated, somewhat begrudgingly - except Uncle Ed - who volunteered first to try out the Oreo Cookie challenge.....
 |
| Few from the back Porch at Sunset |
 |
| Group Picture No.7 |
 |
| Uncle Jim and Aunt Debbie getting ready for Sunset Cruise |
 |
| Us TOO !! |
 |
| Jess and Aunt G-Gay enjoying tea and chatting |
 |
| OLLIE from OHIO made the trip too.... |
 |
| The Eggars - Nik, Tommy & Annie |
While we were at Lake Martin we rented a pontoon boat for swimming, pontoon-ing and cruising.
Here the cousins are having some fun.
Annie had her 1st Birthday in September. Hard to believe she is 1 already.....
This fall we traveled back to Sedona, which has gradually become one of our favorite places to vacation and play. This year we flew into Phoenix and drove to OAKCREEK [south of Sedona] and played golf at the Oakcreek Country Club. We were greeted by a coyote and hawk all on the 15th hole.
We caught several sunsets at Schnebbly's hill
 |
| We also took some great hikes with the Robertsons and the Carrolls ! |
As tradition we traveled to St. Louis for Thanksgiving. Nik and Tommy both have retail responsibilities and were unable to make the trip north because of their jobs, additionally, throw in the fact that Annie's day care provider gets 'holidays'...well we were in a pickle, so we took Annie to St. Louis with us... It was a great trip, Annie did extremely well being buckled into a car seat for 10+ hours.
 |
| Ginger and Aunt Debbie |
 |
| Annie and Conrad (Ollie's [from Ohio] Big Brother) doing some Cheerio negotiating |
 |
| Group Picture No. 3 |
 |
| Good Looking Cousin Sam - (he was on the tube!!) |
The weather was great and the turkey,stuffing and trimmings were all scrumptous - thank you to all the cooks!! The get-together in St.Louis is usually a mini-reunion....can you tell ?
Saving the BEST for last in our family letter this year….. Debbie and I were in St. Louis this past weekend Dec 16th – 18th to be present at my sister Cheryl’s graduation from the Goldfarb School of Nursing. Having supported her family, husband John and sons Jonathan and Jeffrey, in their academic pursuits, Cheryl finally claimed her own !!
The weekend started with the Friday ‘Honors Convocation’ at Barnes Jewish College-Goldfarb School of Nursing. Cheryl’s academic accomplishments were recognized, as she graduates Magna Cum Laude from a very challenging nursing program. I do recall that she committed every waking hour to studying for the past 18 or months. Appears that, it all paid off for her!
The school is very fortunate to have many outstanding local individuals who support students through scholarships and awards. Some of these awards are presented at the convocation ceremony. On Friday, Cheryl also received the Ruth G. Franc Kindness Award. As the program read…’presented to a graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Accelerated or Upper Division Program who has demonstrated exemplary caring and kindness to patients and their families’. Congratulations Cheryl!!
 |
| John & Cheryl Miller |
On Saturday, the graduation took place at Powell Symphony Hall. It has been a number of years since Debbie and I were there. Powell is a beautiful venue – even more so with its Christmas decorations.
 |
| We are ready for the show to start (left to right) Val & Sister-Kim, Debbie & Leo, Sister-Carol |
With appropriate pomp and ceremony the graduation took place, several speakers took the podium each espousing the virtues of nursing and sharing the many opportunities each of the graduates now have before them. It was a very uplifting experience.
And for sister Cheryl, the end of one stage of her life and the beginning of a new pathway into the future…. GO CHERYL !!
After graduation many many pictures were taken
BIG THANKS to Jack Dempsey, John's Business Partner, for his time and photography skills.
 |
| The Millers - Jeffrey, John, Cheryl and Jonathan |
 |
| The Neuner Kids - Carol, Leo, Cheryl and Kim (Carol & Cheryl are twins - if you didnt see the similarities) |
 |
| Let the Celebrations begin !! |
Well that was the year in brief review. We are looking forward to Jess flying to Texas again for the Holidays. We will have a full house, am sure Annie will keep us all moving.
From our house to yours, Blessed Christmas Wishes and the Best of Fortunes for the New Year !!
Love - Debbie and Leo
No comments:
Post a Comment