Christmas 2008 has now passed and we are moving into 2009 with a hope and prayer that God will bless this country, our leaders, and our people.
My family and I traveled to Tucson, Arizona where we had four generations come together for a festive time. Lots of card playing and reminiscing. Even more simple enjoyment of time together. Cheryl and I are proud of Ali and Erica for being great travelers. Mercifully, we did not encountertoo much in the way of delays.
Cheryl and Ali (left) and Erica (right) Daddy Dave with Ali (right) and Erica (center)
It is always wonderful to see Grandma Arlene and Grandpa George. They are both getting on in years, but they are still going. I certainly cherish the times that I get to reflect with Grandpa George on his time in the Army during WWII. He was in the 317th Regiment of the 180th infantry, 3rd Army in the European Theater of Operations (ETO). While he does not speak much about his experiences, I do get little glimpses into his experience each time that we meet. The rigors and terror that he faced while in France seep slowly out of a memory repressed. As a military historian, I cannot resist pushing just a bit for more information. Some of it has been forgotten, some better left unsaid. Perhaps what I admire most about George and Arlene is their home-spun simplicity. Life is certainly hard for them at their age, but they retain that dignity of a time that is seemingly in the past, not to be carried on by those of us who have not been tested by the traumatic events of their youth.
At right is the newest addition to our family. This is Cinderella (Cindy). She is an 11-week old pure-bred Maltese. We lost our Mollie two years ago and did not want to get another dog for a long time. Lately we have been anxious to find another little darling and we found her right here in Bentonville. She is still getting used to us and she DOES NOT like to take walks yet.
During a year when things of historic proportions took place (economic crisis, the election of Barak Obama, etc.) We as a family fared pretty well. We are blessed with pretty good health and job stability. The girls are terrific. God is good.
In closing, I say that one of the best events of the year was the birth (actually 12/28/07) of Stacy and Mike's beautiful twins, Ian and Jillian. What else could be better than an expanding family.
God Bless All! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
