Update from Shanonn-

Hello loved ones!! Now that we've managed to miss all the major holidays, it's probably time for an update on us. We've definitely been very busy, but most of that has been due to travel, rather than changes in our schedules and lives.
November- The beginning of November, for the most part, was pretty calm for us. Tyler's schedule started to change more frequently, but he was still doing the same things, just at different hours. He is in the simulators right now, learning how to fly by his instruments (for flying in clouds, at night, etc.) instead of being able to simply see. For Thanksgiving, Lyle, Ethelyn (Tyler's parents), Mary K. (Tyler's sister), Josh (Mary K.'s boyfriend) and Brady (the nephew!) all came to stay with us for 5 days. We ended up going to Cracker Barrel for Thanksgiving day lunch, saw The Muppets' movie (so cute!) and ate out again that night. We ate out a lot... haha. The next day (Friday), everyone except Ethelyn and Brady went deep sea fishing. Mary K. and myself didn't have the best time, but the boys loved it and we did come home with some fish! The rest of the month rushed by, and I started to work full-time in the 2 year-old room, plus working after-care 3 times a week. Thank goodness that Christmas break has taken 2 weeks out of that schedule- haha! I actually like the new schedule better than my regular 12:30-5:30 shift  because time seems to go by more quickly and I feel like I get more done.
December- This was one of the hardest times in my life. On December 5, 2011, I lost one of the greatest influences and important people in my life: my grandpa Johnie. He had been sick for a while and in pain, so this was a good thing, yet my heart is still broken thinking about what a wonderful father, grandfather and husband he was. He taught 3 daughters, 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren how to love with all of their hearts, laugh at the funny things and to not take anything too seriously. He will, truly, be missed. I got to go home to see my family for several days, so that was wonderful since this was Tyler's family's year to have us, but it was definitely bitter-sweet because of the occasion.
The rest of the month (at least the 18-Jan.1) was spent at the Sharpes' in Wyoming. Merry Christmas! We had a great time being with his family and taking some time off from work and school, while also having an amazing Christmas. We are spoiled for sure!
January- Happy New Year! The beginning to 2012 was a bit of a rough start for us. Our flight from Denver to Charlotte was delayed by 2 hours. Not only was it delayed, but we were sitting on the plane, at the gate, with the cabin door shut, for two hours. After we finally took off, we discovered that we missed our connection to Atlanta, but luckily they had placed us on a new flight, a little later, so we had time to eat dinner. The flight to Atlanta was nice, we had to wait a bit on our bags to arrive, but we walked away with all our luggage! There was also a man being arrested and escorted out by 3 security/police officers, so that added to our happiness. We made it to the hotel just fine, thanks for our shuttle, but the joy of finally ending our travel for the day ended when we talked to the desk clerk. She told us that some kids had tried to steal our truck while we were gone. Luckily they were scared off before they could finish the job and do too much damage. They did manage to pry part of the steering column off and detach our key cylinder, so we were stuck at the hotel until a locksmith could come out the next morning. Several hours (and some money) later, about noon, we were able to leave to drive back to For Rucker. We made it safely, picked up the dog, unpacked, then it was time to rest and get to bed for work and class the next day. Work and class have gone well for us this week, Tyler starts a new schedule tomorrow and will be back to flying a real helicopter again. (Finally!) I go back to my old schedule starting Monday, so it will be back to the late nights once again.
That's all our news for now- hope everyone is doing well and had a great start to their new year!
We love you all!
P.S.- Please keep my dad, Ed Elsass, in your thoughts. He had minor surgery done on his heart (Jan. 3), but has had a few, minor, complications along the way. Though it was a fairly simply procedure, it was still heart surgery and he has a long recovery ahead of him. He's doing very well, but is still under close supervision to ensure a proper recovery. Everything is looking good so far, so keep up the wishful thinking. Thank you!