December So Far

Our angel Krissy Lou turned 28 on Saturday, and her sweet hubby Sterling planned a surprise birthday lunch for her at Taifoon. I didn't get a picture of her when she came in, but it was pretty funny ... she really didn't register anything for like 30 seconds, in spite of all of us shouting "Surprise!" She said she looked at Steph and wondered what she was doing there, before she took in the other dozen or so guests. Her dad even managed to make it, in spite of it being his busiest time of year right now. I know that meant a lot to her, as did copies of his two cookbooks. Steph & Mickel and the kids were there, along with Sterling's mom and dad, Kris' friend Amy, and one of her former Ames students, Gavin. Sterling also took her to get a massage, and to the Nutcracker that night. He's such a blessing in her life, and we love him for the love he has brought to her.

Mel, and brothers Alex and Nick

Kaiya with Aunt Kris

Our Teagie

Kris reminded me of the story about her name. Some of you may not know that she was originally meant to be named Holly. We wanted a name to reflect the season, and Holly Harward sounded pretty cute together. However (and this may seem petty now, but please don't judge me), there was a character on the Dallas TV show at the time that was not only named Holly, but, in fact, Holly Harward. And she was EVIL. So I just couldn't bring myself to do it. So Kris got "Christan" (we later amended the spelling) and years later gave the name Holly to her cat. I think she's still a little miffed about the whole thing. Baby girl, as I say every year, you were the best Christmas present I ever got! And it was the only year I was ready for Christmas early. Happy Birthday!

Earlier this month I took what I call my "Medallion Trip." It turned out that I lacked 105 miles to maintain my Delta Medallion status, so there definitely needed to be a trip somewhere before the year ended. So, Arizona it was. First I stayed with my sister Karen and family for a couple of days in Phoenix. The weather was great (not necessarily by their standards, but definitely by Utah standards, especially since we were in that deep freeze at the time). It's so wonderful to just spend time with them. Karen and Mike and I did go to the local improv comedy club, which was a hoot! I'd share the jokes, except that I don't remember them of course.

Hunter with Stitch, who looks ferocious and like he's not having any fun, but he is (Stitch, that is, not Hunter).

Mike, Karen and Brandon.

On Saturday, Mike was kind enough to give me a ride down to Tucson, where I spent a couple of days with my good friends Tim and Mark. Even if we're just hanging out, Tim always sets up various dinners and cocktail parties, so it's never boring there! We also went to a local street fair, and Mark and I took a trip on the "tram" (ground, not aerial) up a local canyon. By that time, the weather down there had taken a turn for the worse, so it wasn't very busy. The only other people with us were a couple of ladies with a couple of kids. None of them really had any kind of substantial jacket, and one of the ladies had on short shorts. But in spite of the weather, or really, because of it, it was hauntingly beautiful. Also, by the time I came back to Utah the weather had warmed up substantially - still cold, but not bitterly so. So ... good trip!