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.