Hard to believe that another year is nearly gone. 2011 was not nearly as eventful as some years past however, the best event of our lives, since the birth of our own children occurred this year. Brian and Kristina welcomed their daughter, Serenity Yvonne Thomas into the world on October 18th, 2011. She is the light of our world. We are loving the role of granny & gramps.
Caitlyn finished up the spring semester 2011 at Wayne State College and then moved to Hays, Kansas where she is attending Ft. Hays State University. She has a nice apartment and will be getting a roommate in January. She works at a local restaurant and is enjoying the "college experience". This is much closer to home than the 6 hour trek from Wayne to McCook. It is nice that she is closer so she gets to see more of Serenity than she would have if she were still in Wayne. She has just finished her 5th semester of college...I can't believe how quickly the time has gone. She is doing well in school and looking forward with her eyes on her goals.
Brian and Kristina are adapting to life with baby. Brian never ceases to amaze me. Words can't describe how wonderful it was to watch him bond with his new baby daughter during those first hours after her birth. The love that emulated from daddy was simply incredible. My baby boy became a daddy and showed me just how much he loves that little girl. In addition to the birth of this sweet little girl...we spent the next two days moving the kids into their new home. It was indeed a busy week.
Fortunately for us...we didn't experience any medical emergencies in 2011, unlike our 2010. For that we are grateful.
Chris McCurdy's untimely death in May was a jolt that we won't soon forget. Such a good man taken from this life and the lives of his sons and daughters way to soon. Parents should not have to bury their children. Just days before Chris's death, I lost a good friend in a tragic fire. Teresa left 2 teenage sons. Her parents are now caring for the boys.
On a happier note, Lynn and I continue to play pool several times a week. It is a much needed diversion from the chaos of daily life. Our 9 ball team and our 8 ball team will be playing in the Regional Tournament in May for a chance (just a chance) to earn a spot in the National Tournament in Las Vegas. My ladies team is getting ready to finish the fall session. We will see if we can win a berth in the ladies tournament to be held in May. That one is a chance to win $$. In all reality, the $$ is a better deal for us. Las Vegas in the heat of August isn't exactly my cup of tea. I rather take a trip to beach in January.
The days continue to go by more quickly than ever. We are grateful for so many things. Each year as Christmas draws near, I am reminded of the days gone by and the many Christmas celebrations. 1969 - Ravenna, Nebraska - our last Christmas with Grandma Grim. Christmas 1977 - the year all 7 and their families gathered for Christmas in Ansley...Mike followed Santa out the door asking where the reindeer were. Santa told him they had run off and he had to go find them. All those children are now parents of such a great bunch of kids. Christmas 1983 - the year "there wasn't enough food" and Jacki, d'Aun and I had a great time playing cards...d'Aun came into her own that day when she flipped the cards at Jacki. Christmas 1984 - below zero temps for days on end followed by what seemed to be a heat wave on New Years Day when Lynn and I were married. Christmas 1987 - our first Christmas with Brian. Christmas 1988 - sad sad time after the loss of Grandpa Guy. Christmas 1991 - our first Christmas with Cait. Christmas 1996 - a trip to Arizona with Mom where we met Miss Baylee Rapier. Christmas 2001 - trip to Ohio where we spent the holiday with Momma, our last Christmas with her. Christmas 2009 - a quiet Christmas with our compact family, games, movies and such fun and all those years in between. So many wonderful memories of the good times. And looking forward to our first Christmas with our new granddaughter, "Sweet Serenity".
May this holiday season bring each of you joy and happiness. May the love of family gather round you to and always.
Ang
