Happy Retirement Dad!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrGNyv3b1AQ

I know I'm way behind on blogging, so I'll try to make up for it in the next few weeks or so. December was super busy for us, and before we knew it - December had come and gone! Time really does fly by when you're having fun, and that we definitely were. To start off the month, we headed to Sour Lake to celebrate the END of my Dad's ExxonMobil career of 34 years...truly unbelieveable! We had been planning the party for 8 months or so, but little did we know my Dad had a little something planned up his sleeve too. The party was a huge success! All of my Dad's sisters came in town, as did some of Kurt's family to celebrate with us. It meant so much to us that you all traveled far and near to pay tribute to my Dad.

During the party, we showed a slide show that was put together by Johnette. It was great! Then my Dad began speaking, and Chad and I couldn't follow his performance, as you'll see. Anyhow, I never got a chance to tell my Dad how I was feeling that night, so here goes... I never will be able to thank him enough for his dedication to a job he truly hated in order to provide for Chad and I. During his years at Exxon he also discovered his true passion, which is carpentry, and he continues to make unbelievable magic happen in his workshop. He really is remarkable when working with his hands. It's like Santa's workshop but just located in the front yard. He taught me a committment to family that I can only hope to pass onto my children one day. For as long as I can remember my Dad has worked two jobs and never been able to really relax. I only hope that he can just sit back and rest a bit now. Love you Dad and I'm so happy you're finally RETIRED! Wahoo.

I usually post pictures on our blog, but we forgot our camera in Beaumont over the Christmas break, so I don't have any pictures to post. I do, however, have something better. My Dad had so many requests to replay the retirement party "surprise" that we posted in on YouTube. I hope you all enjoy.