Great Weekend!!

I just got back in town Tuesday evening from visiting my family in Michigan where a lot of exciting things happened. On Friday, my brother, Bill, and sister, Wendy, welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Kiersten Jane Crishon. She was 8 lbs 14 ounces, 20" long, and absolutely beautiful. It's already obvious how wonderful Bill and Wendy are going to be as parents. I was floored at how laid back they are about her, as I was absolutely amazed by so many other things having to do with her. They're naturals. Also coming with the baby has come a friendly competition between the four uncles for 'best uncle.' For those of you that have seen the pictures, you can see I think I've taken the early lead hahaha (for those of you who haven't ... here's a link). I'm so proud to be an uncle and can pretty much tell you that I'm going to be the embarassing one taking all the pictures :)

Also this weekend, I was honored to be asked to be my other brother, Tom's, best man for his wedding to my future sister Mandi. (Enough with the Katherine Heigl - 27 dresses jokes ... I've heard them already :) ) They're getting married August 9 in Florida. They have a website (http://www.mandiandtom.com/), which has all of their information on it. Tom did an amazing job with the website and I would recommend checking it out (make sure you check out the slideshow with your volume up). I'd put some sappy comments in here about how perfect they are together, and how much I'm envious, and how much I love them ... but I've got a best man speach to write :)

I did realize that, as much as I miss my family and friends who are still up there, I definitely do NOT miss the cold or the snow! (But, as Ricky is quick to point out, it's colder in Alabama) My blood has definitely thinned out. I thought it was funny at the Alabama - Mississippi State game last week how cold everyone I was with was ... they wouldn't have made it for the Cleveland game on Saturday. Football the way it was intended to be played, in cold and snow. Too bad no one told the Browns there was a game Sunday, they sure didn't show up.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful, and blessed, Thanksgiving. I'll be starting my day bright and early at 2:30 when Ricky, his son Case, and I head out to go duck hunting (season opens here tomorrow). Tomorrow afternoon, Ricky and his family have been kind enough to invite me over for Thanksgiving dinner with their family. I'm going to try to eat enough to start gaining weight :)

Have a great Thanksgiving everyone!

First Blog...Freezing in MI

Ok, here we go.  I got this idea from a friend so I stole it because as most of you know, I'm really awful at keeping in touch with friends.  I am currently in Midland, MI waiting impatiently for my niece to be born.  My brother, Bill, and sister in law, Wendy, are currently at the hospital where she is being induced.  I now remember why I live in Alabama now.  It is 15 degrees with a wind chill of 7 ... and snow.  I guess my second blog will be the updates of my niece ... I'm very excited to be an uncle :)

Work has been absolutely crazy.  We are in the process of starting a new plant up and are going through the normal pains associated with a start up along with taking on new projects for the plant as we go along.  While most times I am ready to pull my hair out, I really enjoy it.  I work with an amazing group of people and I am still learning something new every day.  

Last weekend I went to the Alabama-Mississippi State game with my Alabama family, the Hutchison's.  We had a great time, and they won ... Roll Tide Roll!  As with most Alabama adventures I take, I am always surprised at what I see.  Yes that is me with a large man, wearing a kilt, a houndstooth hat, with his face painted, with white contacts in and of cou

rse the full body tattoos of Alabama memorabilia.  Denny Chimes on his stomach, Bear and Namath on his chest, and a huge Bear tattoo on his back along with many many others.  And yes, I am wearing camouflage.  A few days before we were to go to the game I realized it was going to be cold and all of my winter stuff is still in Michigan sin

ce it doesn't get cold in Alabama ... wrong.  So I wore the clothes that I got for my new (restored) hobby, hunting.  Ironically enough, being that this is Alabama, I fit in really well :)

I am sure there is more to add, and I'll add more later.  I'm just passing the time until we get the call to head to the hospital.  We just got the call that she's in a hot tub and having contractions.  I can't wait :)