Christmas 2013 in Santa Fe

Christmas 2013 started on Christmas Eve in church with Cousin Pat and our niece, Trisha.   On Christmas Day Pat, Marilyn, and I enjoyed a beautiful day of hiking, dining, and picture taking.

Tucked back from the road are the amazing spires and geology of Plaza Blanca.

Yes, I know it is hard to believe, but that is Marilyn taking a picture! 

Did water, or wind, or the seasonal changes cause this erosion?  And how long did it take?

What would Christmas be without wonderful food?  Cousin Pat took us to Abiquiu Inn for the first of two seatings of their buffet.  Ham, salmon, and prime rib plus much more... yum!

Then more exploring the beauty north of Santa Fe.  Marilyn deserves a metal for her patience as two photographers stopped, took pictures, drove, stopped...you get the idea.

Eighty years ago today my parents were married... on Christmas Day.  Today we remembered them as we celebrated Christmas in New Mexico.

"All we like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way.  But the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all."

"Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent before his shearers, so He did not open his mouth."

"God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering!"  Rejoice!  Shout for joy!  "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"  Joy to the world, the Lord has come!

Merry Christmas- (What is the real story behind those cute kids' Christmas pictures)

Hey kids, since we have such a beautiful background why not stand together and let me get a Christmas picture?

Oh, I know, not another picture!  It will only take a minute.

Really now, is it that bad?

OK... that isn't too bad.  Hmmm... we do seem to have a wardrobe malfunction going on.  So how about a hug?

Well maybe just a little more passion in the hug.

No, no... too much!  I said a hug not a strangle hold!

That's not too bad, but maybe just a little more natural.

That is better... such a nice hug.

That will be perfect.  (So when you send us all those cute pictures of your kids and Grandkids at Christmas, we know the real story behind them!)  Merry Christmas from our loving family to yours!

Things with Wings in Hawaii

Farewell Hawaii - 2013

The Freedom Tower is one of the most recognizable buildings on Hickam Air Force Base.  It was originally built in 1938 as a water tower and still serves the purpose for water storage.  It is a beautiful structure.

It was spared destruction in the December 7, 1941, attack because the Japanese thought it was a religious building and didn't attack it.  In 1985 it was named the Freedom tower on the 50th anniversary of Hickam Field to honor those who serve, or have served in defense of our liberties, and to honor those who have paid the ultimate price so that others might live in freedom.

Each year an event is held to celebrate the lighting of the Freedom Tower for Christmas and this year we were there for it.

Since we were in charge of the Grands that evening, we went to the "party" that is held before the lighting. 

A lot of folks showed up and were entertained by live music, several bouncy castles, and food stands.

We stayed for awhile but left before the lighting.  The "bob" makes traveling by foot very convenient.

Never have I seen such patience as this one waiting her turn in the bouncy castle.

Then since we will be gone for Christmas, after baths we had to open a few gifts for the kids.

I think she liked her painting book.

The way I figure it, they will have a couple more shots at opening gifts this Christmas.

It has been so fun to be with our Hawaiian family again.  Time goes quickly when we try to keep up with them.  My Mother used to say, "Oh, to have the energy of these little ones; what a shame to waste it on the young." 

I took this on my last evening in Hawaii.  It is hard to see but the flag is at half staff still in the remembrance of December 7.  The next night we left on our plane at 10:40 pm (2:40am central) and arrived home at our airport at 2:40 pm.  Twelve hours to travel from the middle of the Pacific to home.  We left the humid mid-eighties and stepped off the plane at -6 degrees.  You want to know our reaction?  These last two pictures of the Grand-kids sum it up pretty well!