Boy, oh boy, was December ever a big month. I didn’t realize how much happened until I went through the pictures! I’m going to break it down into sub-categories to keep it organized.

Wrestling
The wrestling season for Derek and Peter ramped up in December. Derek was happy to be competing at the heavyweight level, for this meant that he did not need to cut weight. As soon as football season ended, he ate to his heart’s content, knowing he would not even come close to the 285 pound maximum weight.

He found much success at the beginning of the season, which proved to be a sign of things to come.

We enjoyed watching Peter as well.

This video captures his very first pin. The video was taken by my mom and dad, since we found ourselves split up on this day. Peter wrestled in Chicago, while Derek wrestled in Stillman Valley.

The team bonded well this year.

Every once in a while, I scored a meet or tournament (with my helper by my side).

Family Stuff
The guinea pigs continue to entertain us. Ever since we found out that Cinnamon is male and not female, I never imagined how often I’d hear the phrase, “Sugar’s in heat today.” Thankfully, she was not in heat the day this picture was taken.

We continued work on the bathroom. The kids were a tremendous help with tiling.

Bet you’ll never guess in what romantic way Jim and I spent our 23rd wedding anniversary. Grouting and cleaning the tile! #truelove

Jeremy has taken the reins of the espresso machine.

He took it to a whole new level when he created order sheets for me to fill out in the afternoon.

Jake found out his glider won and is now encased with gliders from decades past outside the aeronautics department.

Ruth sang in the Christmas concert at church.

We enjoyed having some family join us. Some brother sister bonding…

Derek went to WA’s Soiree.

Dad joined us for our annual Lord of the Rings marathon.

Molly joined us for part of it too.

Engaged!
Big, big news came from USAFA in December. Jake proposed to Tiffany! He surprised us all with how thoughtful and romantic he was.

He had set up a scavenger hunt all around CO Springs, with clues for Tiffany, which led her to the USAFA chapel. He dropped to his knee and asked her to marry him.

And she said yes!

What’s even more special is that he proposed on our anniversary!

Christmas
We kicked off the Christmas season with a cookie exchange at Judi’s house. I came home with about six dozen cookies which lasted all of a couple days.

The Vacudas had us over for some dinner and presents and games.

We appreciate all the work Linda puts in to make the night special. Here’s a glimpse into Christmas at the Vacudas’:

The Johaniks came over Christmas Eve.

Christmas morning we lit the center candle of the advent wreath,

and took turns opening presents, Molly first.

Molly and I went on our annual Christmas morning run. I figure this allows me to eat some extra bread pudding later in the day!

We headed to Mom and Dad’s Christmas Day. It was great to hang out with cousins!

After nearly 50 years of marriage, Dad continues to enjoy surprising Mom with Christmas presents.

Some of the kids went ice skating at Maggie Daley park.

Christmas break/New Year’s
Jake and Tiffany arrived home a couple days after Christmas. We were so eager to see them and celebrate Christmas with them.

The next day, three of Jake’s friends came and stayed with us the rest of the break. A couple of them joined us at church.

There was much activity here, and we loved every minute of it!