Last Post for 2011

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It's been a wonderful Christmas, the best gifts being visits from Mark and then Mike and Mike Jr two days after Mark headed back to MO.  Weather consistently gave us mild and enjoyable days.  Today is sunny and will reach 60 degrees.  What a way to wrap up the year.  We took M & M to Copperhill, TN, the Ocoee River where the 1996 Summer Olympics were held, then out to Merciers' to get more apples.  Most of the time we relaxed here at the house, cooked burgers on the grill, and just enjoyed our time together.  On one of the rides, we went to Brasstown so they could see where our fresh beef is farmed. 
Mike Jr is a delightful teenager.  He picks up after himself, puts his dishes in the DW, and doesn't mind holding a conversation with adults!  And he is an NCIS fan!

It's a two-day drive from NH to Murphy so they will stay with Lauria, Jim, and children again on the way back home.  I'm hoping that when Mike Jr graduates in a couple of years, they will settle in Virginia or the Carolinas so Cliff and I can see both families more often. 

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