Longest Christmas Letter ever
There is a reason this one didn't make it out
Larry and I celebrated the New Year in Mesa, AZ, attending the Viewpoint New Year's party with Larry's parents and family friends Clarence and Ellen in Mesa, Arizona. Later in the month, we had planned to take my Mom to see Tony Orlando (you know, the one who sang "Tie a Yellow Ribbon 'Round the Ole Oak Tree"). Unfortunately, my Mom wasn't feeling well, so we went with our friends Lenny and Dina D'Angelo instead. The show turned out to be a lot of fun, and Tony shared some entertaining stories about meeting the brat pack.
In March, we celebrated Luke's 21st birthday at Vail Lake, a local campground, enabling him to attend the Edge Dance event in Temecula, California. Despite the rain that weekend and the discovery of a leaky window in the RV (which was not fun), Luke and his buddy Chris enthusiastically participated in numerous dance clinics. They even had the exciting opportunity to meet the iconic country dancer Robert Rostin. Sierra joined us for a night of festivities, where Larry and I also hit the dance floor. Despite the muddy conditions, we all had a great time.
On Luke's actual birthday, we headed to the local country bar, the Renegade, where he danced the night away and enjoyed his first "legal" drink. Towards the end of the month, the four of us embarked on a road trip to Palm Desert to catch performances by Terry Clark and Reba McEntire. It turned out to be a wonderful bonding experience for both us and the kids.
On our way back from Palm Desert, we dropped the kids off at another country festival called Boots in the Park. Thanks to Sierra's "press pass," they enjoyed an up-close and personal view of the performances. There was even a playful moment where it seemed like Carrie Underwood was checking Luke out (wink, wink).
April proved to be a bustling month, highlighted by the celebration of my 52nd birthday. To mark the occasion, friends joined me for a delightful dinner at a local BBQ place. Taking advantage of my spring break from work, my Mom and I embarked on a journey to South Carolina to visit my sister Theresa and her family.
Our time in South Carolina was filled with cherished moments, reuniting with my niece Rachael, nephew Josh, and his wife Bailey. Following this joyous reunion, a unique adventure unfolded as Theresa, her husband Jim, my mother, and I embarked on a road trip to Williamstown, Kentucky. The compact size of the southeastern states allowed us to traverse four states in a single day, culminating in an overnight stay in Indiana.
The following day brought us to the awe-inspiring Creation Museum, followed by an equally captivating visit to the Ark Encounter. The experience was particularly significant as it fulfilled my mother's bucket list, creating lasting memories for all of us.
Upon our return home, we had the pleasure of attending a gala event for our friend's daughter, Abigail Millum. Abigail, a high school senior, actively participated in a philanthropic mother-daughter group called Sprites. It was a joyous occasion, not only because we could show our support for Abigail but also for her mother, Stacey, who served as the president of Sprites.
This gala was a first for us, and it turned out to be a delightful evening. We enjoyed the company of the Millum family and the D'Angelos, making it a night filled with laughter and camaraderie.
We concluded April by taking the family on a trip to Seattle, Washington, and enjoying a ferry ride to Whidbey Island for a special wedding. Larry had the honor of being the best man for his brother's wedding. Meeting Lance's wife, Chloe, and her family was a delightful experience, and the wedding venue itself was truly stunning. We extend our heartfelt wishes for many years of love and happiness to the newlyweds.
The children had a fantastic time reconnecting with their cousins, making the trip even more memorable. Reflecting on our stay, Larry and I find ourselves yearning to return to Whidbey Island, particularly to the breathtaking house that accommodated us. The charm of the location has left a lasting impression, and we look forward to the possibility of revisiting in the future.
We celebrated Father's Day weekend with a memorable father-daughter fishing trip to our local Lake Cuyamaca. Larry and Sierra had a fantastic time, catching a total of 9 fish. It marked a special moment as Sierra caught her first fish with her Dad—a proud papa moment for Larry. Following the fishing adventure, we headed to the local Sycuan casino for a few days of enjoyment with my brother Bill and his kids, Riley and Jolene. The time spent together was truly wonderful, and I believe they would both agree it was the best Father's Day ever!
In May, we had the pleasure of attending the Jimmy Buffett concert with our friends Toni and John Nubert. Larry managed to score last-minute tickets for the kids, making it a great experience for all of us. We feel fortunate to have seen him in concert, especially given his passing in September.
Adding to the memorable moments of May, we hosted our first annual Memorial Day party. It was a fantastic gathering, and we're contemplating making it a new tradition at the Simanek house.
Larry and I attended a country concert with my sister Lisa and her husband Wayne at the local casino. Joe Nicolas was playing he was popular in the 90’s
In June, we returned to Vail lake for a camping trip with our friends Todd, Marla, Kelly, and Lance. Since we don't get to see Todd and Marla frequently, it was a delightful opportunity to spend quality time together. Later in the month, Larry and I attended the Del Mar Fair, where we had the pleasure of watching a concert by my favorite artist, Randy Houser.
Sierra moved back home in June. Living independently in California, one of the most expensive places, comes with its own set of challenges, often referred to as "Sunshine Bucks."
In July, Sierra took a practical step by purchasing a toy hauler trailer and setting it up next door to the house. She has personalized and adorned her cozy little space, making it uniquely hers. We're thrilled to have her back with us.
Larry and I consider ourselves very fortunate to have our kids back at home. While the ultimate goal is for them to eventually leave the nest, we are currently relishing the time we have with our adult children.
In July, Larry and I kicked off my summer break with a trip to Prescott, AZ to see Larry's parents and go to the Prescott Rodeo. Then we all enjoyed a day trip to Williams, where we experienced the unique drive-through adventure at Bearizona, marveling at the array of animals. After bidding farewell to Larry and Linda in Prescott, we embarked on the remaining portion of our Route 66 journey, which we had initiated in 2021.
Our travels took us back to Williams, where we boarded the Grand Canyon Railroad train bound for the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. We traversed through Ash Fork to Seligman, then to Kingman, and navigated the challenging Sidewinder route through Oatman—a winding 8-mile stretch with 191 curves, which I took the wheel for. Our stay in Needles included visits to Geofs to see a schoolhouse and the Amboy Crater, navigating rough, off-the-beaten-track roads.
Continuing our journey, we passed by the Ludlow Cafe, making our way to Barstow and eventually San Bernardino. Along the historic Route 66, we dined at a Mexican restaurant that has stood since the road's heyday. Our quest led us to the first McDonald's in California, albeit in a less-than-ideal neighborhood that gave us a bit of a scare. Gratefully, we reached the welcoming city of Pasadena, and we were revealed in a great hotel with lovely rooms, a rooftop bar, and a fantastic bathtub.
Our adventure continued with a visit to the Santa Monica Pier and the La Brea Tar Pits. However, Larry encountered a hiccup when, for the first time on our trip, he accidentally broke my car. Leaving a gas station in San Juan Capistrano, we experienced a sudden pop, resulting in a flat tire. After promptly getting a new tire, we made it home safe and sound, reflecting on the myriad experiences and challenges of our Route 66 journey.
At the end of July, Larry's parents came to visit, and we decided to stay at Sycuan. During our time there, Linda had a stroke of luck and won $10,000. We had a blast relaxing at the Lazy River, enjoying the amenities the resort had to offer. Larry Sr. added a humorous touch to the trip by sporting a "Larry Jr., Eyes Up Here" shirt, transforming his appearance and adding a lighthearted element to the experience. It was a memorable visit filled with fun and unexpected moments.
In August, we joyously celebrated Sierra's 24th birthday. In keeping with her wishes for a laid-back celebration, we orchestrated a plan for the day. Opting for a unique mode of transportation, we rode in the "redneck limo," our affectionate term for the motorhome, to DZ Akins, a Jewish deli of her choice.
The festivities continued as we engaged in a game of pool at a local billiards parlor, and Sierra received complimentary birthday treats from Sophia and Ulta. Eager to explore different experiences, we visited a small, although warm, distillery and her favorite brewery, Little Miss. The day unfolded with games, a few refreshing beers, and a visit to a local BBQ spot, East Bound, where we were joined by her cousin Riley and friends Tom and Chris.
The birthday celebration concluded at home with Karaoke, bringing together laughter, good company, and a memorable day for Sierra
Later in August, Larry and his Dad embarked on a meaningful journey to attend a US Submarine Veterans conference in Tucson, AZ. Their time in Tucson included visits to the Biosphere and the Airplane Museum, providing a blend of education and exploration.
The highlight of their trip, however, was the camaraderie they shared with fellow submariners at the bar. Spending quality time with like-minded individuals who had served in the US Navy as submariners created a unique and memorable experience for Larry and his Dad. It was a special trip, highlighting their shared history of service and reinforcing the strong bond between them.
During August and September, my nephew Jacob, a US Marine, was stationed in California at Camp Pendleton for training. Fortunately, we had the opportunity to spend most weekends with Jake. One highlight was when Larry arranged a dove hunting trip for Jake, Luke, and their friend Chris. The adventure kicked off with a memorable challenge: the first three hours were spent navigating the tricky and sticky mud of Imperial Valley. Despite the muddy start, it turned out to be an unforgettable outing.
In October, we marked the celebration of Larry's 54th birthday at Smokey and the Brisket, a spot known for its fantastic BBQ—something Larry thoroughly enjoys. Additionally, Larry took a trip to Prescott, AZ, to spend quality time with his parents. A highlight of their time together was attending a concert by Ned LeDoux, the son of Chris LeDoux, one of Larry's favorite country artists. The event was a great success, providing Larry with a memorable experience and reinforcing his appreciation for country music.
Of course, we didn't miss out on Oktoberfest at the El Cajon German American Society in October. The entire family, including Isaiah (Sierra’s boyfriend) and Chloe (Luke's girlfriend), joined in the festivities. Chloe's parents also made an appearance, making it a family affair. It was both Luke and Chloe's inaugural Oktoberfest for enjoying some drinks. Luke even sported Larry's Lederhosen, while Chloe looked adorable in my dress. The two of them made a cute pair, adding to the festive atmosphere of the event.
Larry's close friend and co-worker, Joe Conyers, with whom he shared a 21-year bond, succumbed to his year-long battle with cancer. He leaves behind his wife, Michelle, and their children, Andrew, John, and Josephine. Joe's passing is a profound loss, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. In the hearts of our children, he will forever be remembered as Uncle Joe, a cherished figure in their lives. Sierra, in particular, has a special connection as she served as a flower girl in his wedding. Her unique contribution, accidentally breaking the toasting glasses by bumping the table, is a fond memory that adds to the tapestry of their shared history. Joe's absence will be felt, and his impact on our lives will be a lasting tribute to the friendship and camaraderie he brought to our family.
Over Veterans Day weekend, we hosted our third annual Veterans Day campout at Lake Cuyamaca. Joining us were Larry's Submariner friends from the Poggys, as well as the Nuberts—Toni and John—and Larry's buddy Matt. The brotherhood was strong, and the weekend was filled with shared memories and stories. Excitingly, both Toni and John, along with Matt, have already secured their spots for the next Veterans Day weekend. It looks like this tradition is set to continue and grow with each passing year.
For Thanksgiving my Mom embarked on a Riverboat cruise with her friend Nancy. Larry, Luke and I headed to Mesa, Arizona to spend the holiday with his Parents. Unfortunately, Sierra couldn't join us due to work commitments—the news must go on. To ensure Sierra, Isaiah, and Chloe could still partake in the Thanksgiving festivities, we organized a special celebration for them the weekend before Thanksgiving. Ending the evening playing cards
On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, we set off for Mesa, AZ, with Luke accompanying us, to spend time with Larry's parents. It was a delightful visit filled with hanging out, playing cards, and shopping at Mesa Market. The weekend passed quickly, and we headed back to San Diego with cherished memories of our time together.
Luke started the Christmas lights early since he is reengineering the entire setup and he's making the train table bigger. Created a light arch over the driveway. Set up a candy cane fence along with two Christmas trees made of lights. He is our lightning engineer.