That's right....December.

As most of you know...I spent almost half of my December back in Minnesota. The first trip home was a little bittersweet, I was reunited with loved ones but had come home to lay one of them to rest. I had planned on coming home over Christmas and making it a surprise for most of my friends, but when the news of my best friends father passing away hit me...I knew I would be coming home earlier. There was never really a decision to be made...when looking at the big picture, being there for friends and family should always be a priority because in the end...that's all we really have.

Tom Biegler was someone that impacted many of my close circle of friends lives. He was a father figure to some, he was a coach to most, and he was someone who accepted us no matter what the circumstances. From the time I was 14 he was involved in my life be it sports related (coach/fan) or just as a friend. He could take a ribbing as well as dish it out...there were many good times due to and at the expense of Tom but it never deterred him from being a stand up guy. I know that all of us were able to take something away from knowing him and that is the greatest testament to a persons life...we were all better for knowing him. He will be sorely missed but we will always have the laughs, the wins/losses, the good times and the bad, the teachings, the jokes, and the friendship in our hearts...love ya big guy.

After coming back to Seattle for a week after the funeral it was right back to Minnesota for the Christmas. I know that I have been stroking the scenery in Washington quite a bit...so I made an effort to find some beauty in Minnesota that I had missed (outside of my beautiful friends that is). This is what I came up with.

So there...I was able to find some pics that I really liked. If you can figure out the one I like best I will buy you a beer next time I see ya.

So, while I didn't come home under ideal circumstances the first time around...it was still awesome to be reunited with people that mean the world to me. I was able to spend time with friends I hadn't seen in a few months, my niece greeted me with a heart-melting hug when I saw her, and I got to spend the holiday with my loving family. It never seems like enough time, but when you have the relationships that I believe I have...you are never really that far away.

Not sure home I almost forgot about this but I was also asked to be a Godfather to the beautiful Harper Biegler. I never thought I would have had the opportunity to be a godparent (since neither of my brother's asked me (angry face)) but it was such an honor...I might have even got a little teary.

Until next time all...take care, god bless, and much love.

That's right...I'm a slacker.

I don't even know where to begin...over 3 months since my last post. I am not even sure I can recall all the goings-on...not that things have been that overly exciting, but still. I guess I can go ahead and start with Thanksgiving.

It was the first time, I recall, spending a holiday with that many family members and it was rather awesome to have them all here to celebrate. I think, all in all, there were around 25 or so family members...yeah, little hectic. I was in charge of appetizers...I have never made anything for that many people and took the easy way out with mozzarella sticks and pickle roll-ups. Most people hadn't had pickle roll-ups before but judging by the empty platter I can safely assume that at least 1 person like them. My Aunt Drusilla did an amazing job making sure that everything was ready and entertaining that many guests...other family members pitched in to help and cook so at least it took a little stress off of her. Turkey, taters and gravy, stuffing, corn, adult beverages, amazing family, and football...what else could a guy ask for?

I guess I never realized how much I was missing out on being so far from family...but I did realize how much I miss my friends and family back home. It would be nice to have a combination of both worlds though I will always have those who are dear to me with me in some capacity...even if it is just a thought or a memory. That takes us through November...what comes next?

Until next time all...take care, god bless, and much love.