It hardly seems possible that another year has come and gone. We of course had another incredible year in all respects…that’s 20 in a row…just astounding!
Audrey took a fun trip on a “girls weekend” to Aruba this summer. It was a little strange to hear from her from the hotel lobby the morning she left. The boys and I didn’t even know it was planned…she’s soooo stealthy!
.
We thought we heard a man’s voice in the background but
Auds says that was a waiter…what a

gal! Always thinking about her friends.
Michael, our oldest, was released from The Heyward Camp for Wayward Boys just before Thanksgiving…what a treat to have him home although you know teenagers. We didn’t really see him very much…unfortunately he missed dinner. But then again his cell phone bill was over $500 last month so we’re sure he’s doing just fine, wherever he is. He’s driving now..in fact he took his Mom’s car…oh well we’ll get another one.
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Little David is a chip off the old block…he finally beat that pesky weapons charge that was clearly a case of mistaken identity…I mean what 12-year-old actually robs a Blockbuster with his paintball gun? It just doesn’t make any sense. He also bought his Mom and Dad a beautiful new leather sofa group for our anniversary. He says the money came from his combo dog-sitting/cat-washing business…just a sweet kid.
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If you are able to come to our annual party don’t forget this year’s theme is
BYOE…as in Bring Your Own Everything…and a little extra for your host would be fine…we are a little tired of canned green beans, just as a mental note…firewood always appreciated.
On the home front I’m having second thoughts about that re-fi last spring…sure was nice for the first two months to pay $324 on our mortgage but with a couple market adjustments it’s up to a little over $16,000…so it’s put a little damper on the disposable income to say the least. Oh well, 60 more years and this baby’s mine.

So in closing we can say the Hall’s are truly blessed in this season of renewal…come on by any time for a little Christmas Cheer, we
would love to see you…just don’t
forget the wine, cheese , and crackers, but hold the fruitcake.
Cheers,
Categories: Christmas Letters
Dear Friends,
Well Ho Ho Ho it’s time for the yearly update from our family to yours…
The year started off super when Audrey was released early from her latest stay at Betty Ford. The reunion was joyous to say the least even though Michael was still off at Holy Innocence School for Troubled Youth and David was about to be released from The Valdosta Prison Farm For Boys…Mom and Dad are hopeful at least one of them will make it home for the holidays but you know how boys are.
Since coming home Audrey has been helping out at a center devoted to the literacy of new citizens. The class she
teaches meets at the oddest times, usually
late at night. As much time as she spends volunteering her star pupil (Armando I think it is) must be getting more and more acclimated to the culture…what a gal!
Meanwhile Rick’s thriving career has made it possible for us to take more and more exciting trips every year!
On that subject, Rick was finally cleared of those pesky charges stemming from that unfortunate misunderstanding with the Bolivian nuns during family vacation this summer…and luckily the scars from the beating as well as the limp he received from the sisters’, are barely noticeable…as he said to the judge, ” las cabras nacen a mentirosos!” (“Your honor, goats are born liars!”)…but who didn’t know that?
This fall we bought a beautiful new Italian leather combo for the TV room. Craziest thing. Armando just showed up at our door one day and said his cousin had received a shipment in from Equador and that today only the whole ensamble was only $99. He sure sped off in a hurry but wow what a sofa!

Friends when you come to our Christmas party you’ll notice that The Halls have decided to live a more simple life. That the lawn hasn’t been mowed in a few months or that the power is off is completely intentional.
We just feel like it’s time to simplify our lives…you know, get back to basics.
So please feel free to bring an appetizer to share, a case or two of beer…or a turkey would be really nice. We won’t be offended if you bring a case of wine or a nice bottle of single malt either…let the holiday spirit move you!
Remember to wear an extra sweater (or two) and if you are in the market for a new car for one of the kids, make us an offer…we’re dealing!
P.S. Recently read somewhere that firewood always makes a nice hostess gift
Take some time to count your blessings this season…cook something nice for someone, give a gift to a person who would never expect it…and rest assured the Hall’s are decked indeed!
Happy Holidays,
Categories: Christmas Letters · Holidays