The first week of December we had our Marathon that we had been training for since August! We decided to train for this one because the last one didn't turn out so well and we thought it might be because we didn't train for it. What a difference it makes when you train for a marathon!! I got my goal of under 4 hours and Jen was not far behind getting right around 4 hours as well! I was able to meet up with my good high school friend, Ellis, at the race and we also had my Dad, Mom, brother, cousin and her friends there running the race as well.
For Christmas Jen and I went up to my parents house in Memphis. Jen had some of her family fly/drive in and all of my family was able to make it over for a few days as well. We ate a lot of food, watched some football, and saw some different tourist sights around the Memphis area. On Christmas day everyone came over which made it a full house and a ton of fun!!
The newest Baby Ruth was born this month which now makes 4 of my niece/nephew's birthdays within a month! It was a happy and busy month celebrating these kiddos and on top of all that my oldest brother got engaged!
After Christmas we made a trip down to our home at Columbus AFB, MS and everyone got to fly the T-6 simulator that Jen and I have been learning on. Some got to fly through the Grand Canyon, others got to do loops and barrel rolls, and I had a blast watching everyone having fun with it.
This video is of my six year old nephew, Diesel, doing aileron rolls!
Here is my niece, Harley doing some rolls too!
My dad setting up for aerial refueling, but then we decided to ram into the other plane.
Here is Gram zooming through the walls of the Grand Canyon!
This year we were able to accomplish a lot and just for memory's sake, I'd like to list a few of them out:
Published 23 Videos on YouTube and over 40,000 people watched our videos
Worked as a licensed aviation A&P mechanic
Jen learned printmaking, welding, piano, and how to swim
I read 20 books and listened to tons of podcasts and maybe got a little too interested in some conspiracy theories
We both graduated with a B.S. in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Jen and I commissioned into the Air Force and moved to Columbus, MS for Pilot Training
I ran over 600 miles and my first marathon! Jen ran 2 marathons and we both did our first triathlon
Our Marriage has grown stronger than I or Jen ever imagined!
This year flew by and I have enjoyed documenting our life together. I said in January that I would try out blogging for a year. Now that I did it a year, I think I will continue doing it. Just like making YouTube videos, it is nice to keep track of our memories and to have something that we can show to our kids someday. We have been blessed with such an amazing life and loved ones and cannot wait to see where our journey leads us next year!
"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment"
Ralph Waldo Emerson