2020 Vision

It seems fitting that as we enter the year of clarity - 2020 vision my close vision is seeming to fade.  My Lasik doctor warned me that this could happen nearly seven years ago, but it just seemed so far away. 

Bradley is also having to use his glasses to view the television in the evenings so I'm not alone.

2019 was unpredictable and fast.  I so appreciate Bradley's drive to make the most of moments and experiences.  He truly created the "year of the lake".  Mountain lakes, endless trips to Trinity, and fishing in New York State. 

He has done a wonderful job of passing his love of fishing to our boys all amidst the countless miles of line he has helped detangle.  He enjoys fishing our local rivers in the winter and our boys gifted him the best lures and weights money could buy this year for Christmas.

Bradley harvested our first crop of Tempranillo grapes from our vineyard and sold them to a local vinter.  We are looking forward to enjoying some Tempranillo wine soon.

Turns out that Bradley's green thumb and knack for growth transcends the garden, greenhouse, and vineyard.  He's produced a very nice beard at the end of this year and Santa gifted him a beardtrimmer.  I think he has great vision for an awesome one in 2020.

Bradley coached Miles's Little League team with his cousin Clint and they had a very successful season.

Besides keeping his wife sane and supporting our family 150%, he also managed to shoot a monster buck opening weekend deep in the mountains.  A dream come true.

Carter enjoyed another season of Dirt Dogs and moved up to the Major Leagues in our local Little League.  His travel ball team went from winning one game all of last season, to winning several games and coming in 2nd place in their final tournament of their last season.  He also hit his first home run this season!  Additionally, he was able to ump a game or two! (Miles is batting and Carter is umping below).

In addition to baseball he (at the urging of his mother) joined the cross-country team this fall.  His times steadily improved and he enjoyed traveling to meets.

Carter sold his first hog at the auction at the fair and successfully grew and harvested two organic hogs.  His diligence and responsibility has provided for a nice little sum of money in his savings account. His vision is to purchasing a truck in five years and we think he can do it.

In addition to driving a forklift he is also a great garbage truck greaser and learned how to mow his Papa's lawns.  His older cousin taught him the ropes and he "just can't wait for Spring" to mow some more.

Miles has continued his personal commitment to grow a mullet and gets it trimmed up every five weeks. 

His enthusiasm for life, genuine encouragement of others, and positivity is undeniable.  All traits which helped him earn second place in the championship Pee-Wee round at the fair and a sportsmanship award at the equally exciting Redneck Roundup.

He enjoyed his first season playing Little League and just found out that he made the younger Dirt Dogs team.  We will have two Little League teams and two travel ball teams this Spring!  Luckily, several families of good friends are in the same boat and our wonderful in-laws let us borrow their travel trailer!

Miles continued his running this year finishing a six mile run and two five mile runs.  Every run he placed in his age category and improved his time.

In addition to running, he's picked up guitar and seems to have some natural rhythm.

Mom managed the household for another year and is enjoying her sixth year as principal at Fort Jones Elementary School. 

She was invited to speak at a conference in Disneyland this spring.  The title of her session was something along the lines of "Work Smarter Not Harder, Everything I wished they had taught me in principal school".  The boys and Bradley enjoyed a few days at Disney and Joy enthusiastically shared good ideas that make a difference.

She was nominated and selected as the elementary principal of the year for our county this year and recently heard that she is the elementary principal of the year for the entire NorthState of California.  Ironically enough, she gets her award in Nevada.  Reno in April anyone?

Joy managed to complete a 50K this summer and a sprint triathlon.  She seems to be "jonesing" for a BQ qualifying time in 2020 - let's hope her vision is clear.

Cheers to 14 years of marriage, trips to New York, and Chicago.  Cheers to feeling so thankful, so loved, and so ready for 2020 vision!