Happy New Year!

Before ringing in the New Year, I'll hit on a few highlights over the last week of the old;

I caught Taylor in a moment with her new friend. Her new friend doesn't have a name yet, at least one I'm able to pronounce, I'll update that information as more becomes available. As it is with friends they shared some secrets, shared some laughs. There were some rough patches but in the end friendship won out.

"Inside info from your Tour Guide" (An explanation of things you may notice if you stare at these pictures too long.)

Yes, I was in clear violation of official Bumbo seat protocol by having Taylor on my desk, but I was right with her at all times and she can't move on her own yet. You'll also notice a common theme in many of our photographic backdrops. An unfinished project. In this case we are seeing an unpainted door and trim from the walk-in closet I added to the office when we went from a 2 PC, to a 1 PC and 1 Laptop home. Also another unfortunate theme would be the unkempt desk. For that I have no defense. As for the door, there will come a day... I can see it clearly in my head. In that vision all my tools are organized, the unkempt has become kempt. I often spend an afternoon putting the finishing touches on a project that has accumulated on my to-do list over the past couple of years...

Back to reality and a current project. I was out in the front yard getting in touch with my roots. Paying homage to the local lore of my childhood, I was playing the part of Paul Bunyan. Nearing completion of Stage 2, Operation Hickory Tree, Linda came outside and told me she was heading for a short walk with Taylor. I just had to stop what I was doing to snap a few pictures. They looked quite the stylish pair. Following this post's trend of unfinished projects, you'll notice branches and debris containers littering the front yard. Perhaps when the job is complete it will warrant a brief discussion in this locale. For now I will just give two personal messages on Operation Hickory Tree.

To Nate and Carol: "Thank you for the use of your chainsaw."

To the Hickory Tree: "I win."

On the last day of 2008 we were set to go out with style. We held three coveted invitations to ring in the new year at Club Dungan and festivities were set to kick off at 6:30. After assembling enough supplies to survive a short camping trip, we arrived fashionably late at 7:00. The atmosphere was great and the KU bowl game was showing on the big screen.

After some conversation over good food, we cheered on as the Jayhawks emerged victorious in their bowl conquest. Nate and Carol were very generous in their support for KU when you take into consideration they are Nebraska and K-State fans. Following the game we were treated to some floor entertainment. While no lampshades were worn as fashion accessories, things did get a little risque. I think I saw a little flirting going on, although I remained on top of the situation.

"Inside info from your Tour Guide"

You'll notice that since these pictures were not taken at the Batten homestead there are no unfinished projects in the background to point out. I will say some will notice something different in my appearance. Yes, currently I have something on my chin. I'm still uncertain how long I will keep it, although I have received a few positive remarks. Linda and Taylor both like it at the moment. Taylor seems to enjoy reaching out and trying to pull it, Linda enjoys showing Taylor the proper technique.

We didn't make it to 2009 at Club Dungan. With 1/3 the guest list already crashed, and the other 2/3 hitting the rumble strips, we headed toward home at 11:30. The new year starting with Linda and I watching the ball drop our back TV. Taylor, half awake only because she had just recently been removed from her car seat, resting her head on Mommy's shoulder while rubbing her eyes, trying to muster the energy to cry about it. Some overly hyped celebrity (I can never keep up with them) announced it was 2009. I got a kiss from my Bride and gave a kiss to my Daughter...

Then we had to go change Taylor's diaper and put her in some dry clothes for bed, before getting ready and dragging ourselves to the same destination. We arrived early in the first hour of 2009.

Now that it's Jan 1st 2009 it's time to make those resolutions. I never really made any before, or never attempted to keep any at the very least. This year I've decided to change that. Creating this blog has caused me to talk to more people about more things than I have in at least my last 20 years, if not my entire life. I'll resolve to keep building on the events of the past few weeks and to keep updating this blog as long as someone is interested in reading it.

Following the link below will take you to see more pictures of Taylor visiting with her friend, Linda and Taylor heading out for a walk, and the New Years Eve party at Club Dungan. Hope you enjoy!

Picture Gallery

Here's hoping everyone had a safe and worry free Holiday Season.