I flew home to Southern Illinois for Christmas. On the way down with my Uncle Jim to my parent's place, we stopped off at a sandbar on the Mississippi River. The river was at historically low levels. Like a once-in-500-year drought levels.


My dad and I went for a run up to the cross. After 7 miles I had really pissed my hip flexor off though, so I took it easy for the next few days. The family (Mom, Dad, Josh, Jim, Randy, Rachael, Jeremy, and Jack) and I hiked Little Grand Canyon and we stopped at a few of the local wineries. My dad and I hiked the 24th Annual Hike-To-The-Cross along with Mom, Holly, Anne Elise, Tim, and Josh. Once again my brother beat me to the summit. I'll blame it on the sore hip.

Big

As is becoming a tradition, there was a photo competition and for the first time, and beard-off. I took the prize for "most favorable."

Here are my photos of the year.

Dad's honesty-based business, "A Potter's Shed."


Bonfire for Christmas Eve.


I premiered my Taos Ski Bum video for the family.

All the fun that you can have in chilly IL: Puzzle Timelapse