I had a great week last week visiting my sisters, brother-in-law, and niece in Phoenix for Thanksgiving, which seems to be the usual time of year I go there anymore. Our parents flew down as well and enjoyed being on vacation from the early Montana winter.
The week was a typical family gathering, with lots of time centered around Elayna in any number of situations. We saw the progress of ACE's new house in northern Phoenix, saw Lic's boyfriend Brian do stand-up comedy, enjoyed the sunshine, shopped, watched football, ate, and generally enjoyed being together.
Thanksgiving day was well-spent at ACE's house with good wine and a meal that could have been beaten by no restaurant. ACE, Lic, Brian, Mom, Dad, and I were joined by Lic and Brian's friend Mike and Court's friend Deana, who both provided very good stories and company. As is becoming tradition in the Kellum household, we all went bowling after dinner in an entirely empty Dave and Buster's. It's always a good laugh, and makes you feel slightly better about yourself after eating so much. So good in fact, that you're ready for more when you get home.
The few days I was there were too short, as always. I hadn't seen Licia in almost a year, and ACE in four months. I'll see Lic at Christmas, but sadly don't know when I'll see Court, Aaron, and Elayna again. I may have to take advantage of the Des Moines-Phoenix direct flight again soon.
Work has been entertaining. The two design engineer, one technician mower group has grown to three design engineers, one technician, and a project engineer in charge of the group in the last couple months. More is on the plate for the group as a whole, but my responsibilities are largely the same. Our office building is getting a massive addition, and the other design engineers and I were forced to temporarily move to the engineering manager's office. Quarters are a little tight, and feel a little like a dorm room, but I can't complain.
I'll be heading to Lely, our partner company, either right before Christmas or in mid-January, to meet a few more of the people we work with, see how they do things, and watch them build a few machines. I'll be going with my boss and possibly his boss. Lely is in Maasluis, Holland, and it'll be my first trip to mainland Europe. Stories forthcoming!
I'll be headed back to Montana for Christmas, likely for about a week. I'll be driving back to haul a few things and to have my winter gear handy, to avoid the holiday airport cheer, and to make my schedule more flexible, with weather in mind. I would love to see any and all while I'm back, so be in touch!
