Just put on a little lipstick...

Jenni texted me this photo today. Lisa, Chadd and Anzel stopped by her condo for breakfast this morning, on their way through town.  Cousins: Jenni and Anzel

My Dad's been having hip pain for over a year and it has finally reached the point where it is affecting his quality of life. Dad loves to travel, swim and work in his garden. The pain has started limiting his enjoyment of these daily life activities, and he and his doctor decided it was time for some surgical intervention.  Dad had hip replacement done on Tuesday and by Wednesday morning was up walking short distances with the help of PT as directed. He's not out of the woods yet, as this will be long and sometimes painful recovery. I am hoping and praying this surgery will give him relief and get him back to enjoying each day.

Fifty years ago during a snowstorm in Memphis TN, Bryan made his debut into this world! We certainly couldn't let this year go by without celebrating our "vintage" dude.  To kick things off, Jenni caught a plane and arrived in time to help me throw a birthday party for Bryan at our clubhouse. We invited all our local Verizon friends and a great time was had by all. Sadly, I only have a picture of the food. I guess we were all having too much fun.  Next was the actual birth-day, so Jenni and I took Bryan out for steak and sushi at Amura, followed by dessert at Dexters. The next night we kicked some butt at WOB trivia night and won second place. If there's anything our family is great at - it's random knowledge!  We ended the week of Bryan with a trip to meet some friends in New Orleans. Bryan was shocked, surprised and very flattered that 20 of our friends met us there to help him celebrate this milestone. It was a fabulous weekend with awesome friends! ...

Never too old for Disney! Operation - Nightmare before Christmas style! The kids decided it would be fun to spend some of their Christmas holidays with us in Florida. They arrived on Christmas evening and we had 4 days of non-stop fun! Jenni and Anna at House of Blues Emri loved her Mickey cake pop   Pool/hot tub time Morgan's carmel apple from the Candy Cauldron Puzzle time

It's that time again, time for the annual holiday newsletter from the Hall family. 2013 was a very busy year for all of us. Bryan continues to work for Verizon. This year he experienced some company reorganization that resulted in a job change and relocation to Lake Mary, Florida. The house in Nashville sold very quickly and after a little hotel living Bryan and Laura are settled in Heathrow, Florida. Thankfully Laura's job allows her to work remotely, and also occasionally takes her back to the home office in Nashville.  Laura and Bryan celebrated their 30th anniversary, and also Laura's 5 year cancer free status with a relaxing trip to Key West. Josh and Chassi stay very busy with Anna (10), Morgan (8) and Emri (6). To say this is one busy household would be an understatement. Chassi somehow keeps everyone fed, clothed, chauffeured and healthy while providing childcare in her home. She also helped a good friend with a homebirth and play...

Time again for my yearly check up with Dr. Wagstrom my plastic surgeon. Luckily I was in town for work, and called and they could fit me in. I am trying to keep my Nashville doctors and just make appointments when I am in town. Dr. Wagstrom examined me and said my implants are doing well and to keep taking my vitamin E every day. I am clear to not see her for another year, unless something comes up. Thank God for good check ups!

It was the longest 8 days EVER! We packed up and headed to Asheville, NC to meet baby Anzel and celebrate Thanksgiving with the Thomas/Williams/Hall/Moore/Hancock families. Lisa and Chadd were very brave and invited 20+ of us to their house to celebrate Thanksgiving and to meet their new baby. Jenni organized Thanksgiving dinner and everyone pitched in and helped out. It was a wonderful day full of love and laughter. Thank you Lisa, Chadd and Anzel. We are thankful for you!