Ahhh…Christmas in Texas…warmer than usual…good for golf but bad for sledding! It's not exactly pool weather but there's no snow in the forecast.

Jerry, Shaleigh and Kylie plus the two dogs (Lexus and Shorty) left Alaska in April and drove the gazillion miles south through Canada down to the lower 48. Lexus is a story…we weren't sure she'd even make it to Alaska and we were certain she'd never make it out…now Shaleigh jokes they're going to have a make an entry in their wills about who's getting Lexus when we're all gone…who'd a thunk it, a 14 year old Lab. Jerry signed in at Randolph AFB in late April in the operations directorate at Air Training Command Headquarters. While he thought he was going to run the C-130 shop he found himself back in the T-1, so now he and I fly the same type of airplane, scary thought, huh? He's happy but busy as he's also getting his master's degree and flying anywhere from 2-3 times a week plus the staff work… He pins on major in early spring so that'll be a nice pay hike. Sounds strange to think of Major Mish…guess I'm getting old! We had Shaleigh and Kylie with us for 2+months, as their new house was not ready. Kylie is 3 ½ and growing quickly. She's a precious little girl.

Katie and Jeff's little girl, Marisa Claire was born in late February…we were convinced she'd be early but she fooled us all' she was delivered by c-section the day after her due date! Katie loves being a mom and Jeff is a great dad…he and Marisa love the pool…she's a real water bug. She's almost 10 months and in the crawling stage although the pediatrician says she'll be walking before her first birthday…she already pulls herself up on most anything she can find. They are now back in Austin as Jeff got a promotion as the general manager of one of his company's malls. The original plan was for him to come here temporarily to cover the position until a replacement could be named but the bosses decided he was the "man" full time. . Not bad for a young fellow who's only 29 and been with the firm less than 18 months…we are very proud of his accomplishments. They recently got into their new house and I'm working my way through the to-do list…Katie watches way too many "home improvement" shows!

Jayne and I didn't get much done with the kids around. She wasn't too disappointed as being a grandmother is her "thing". Managed to sneak off to Vail for a week in July with friends. Got in some golf, whitewater rafting, hiking and even took in some culture at the Vail amphitheater with the NY Philharmonic. We now speak symphony! Was nice to get a reprieve from the heat although this was a mighty fine summer in Austin…reasonable temps (think we only hit 100 once) and some rain. When it was hot we jumped in the pool. Was going hang up my flying gear at the end of the year but my boss asked me to stay through April since the wintertime has lots of air ambulance business…have agreed to do so but for more time off and a pay boost. Then I truly will retire…for the 3rd time...really…no kidding…I promise!

Hope you have a wonderful Christmas…the welcome mat is always out here in Austin!

Steve & Jayne