Dear Family and Friends, Well it's time for another Hacking family Christmas update from the great city of Naperville. We started the year with a great night at Chicago's Trump Tower. Kathi's work held their holiday party in January at the Trump Tower. They offered a great room discount and we couldn't pass up the opportunity to spend a night at a 5-star hotel. A wonderful night to be pampered in a way we could never afford at full price. Chocolates, ridiculously expensive water, and nice, fluffy towels - we had a lot of fun.
Erick's BBQ judging started with a trip to Springfield, MO. He likes to judge at the competition there so that we can visit Kathi's brother, Tom, and his family. On the way we took a detour and went through Kansas City to attend the Kansas City Temple Open House. It was a wonderful experience and the Temple is beautiful. While there we did try out a few different BBQ joints. One was average, but LC's was amazing. If you are ever in KC, stop at LC's, you won't be sorry.
During the Election Primaries we made our television debut at the Mitt Romney Victory Rally the night he won in Illinois. We had no idea we were on TV until a friend texted Erick and told him to smile (and then he texted him again and told him to stop looking at his phone while he was on TV). It was our 20 seconds of fame.
Over the course of six summers Erick has judged 54 competitions and cooked in one. Those competitions have been everywhere from Vermont to California, and Missouri to Minnesota. We have had a great time traveling and meeting new people, and eating some pretty great BBQ. In August we went to a competition in Door County, Washington Island, Wisconsin. We took our bikes and spent a few days riding around various areas in Door County. It's a wonderful and relaxing place.
In July we finally made it to Galena, a quaint little community in Northwestern Illinois. We stayed at a nice little B&B and rode our bikes, shopped, took in a dinner cruise on the Mississippi river, and rode down the mountain on a sled. We ended our anniversary weekend with a wonderful dinner overlooking the Mississippi River.
Our big vacation trip took us to Washington DC in September. Kathi's nephew got married and we were able spend a few days with family before taking in the wonderful sights. Some of the highlights included a tour of the White House, watching money being made, taking in a show at the Kennedy Center, learning the DC subway, seeing the monuments and Erick's tooth extraction. Our vacation ended with a trip through Gettysburg, with our own private driver tour guide; seeing how chocolate is made at Hershey World in PA; and then visiting friends in Carlisle before heading home.
Our year ended with our little Chihuahua girl, Kaysye, passing away. It was very sudden, and it really blindsided us. She had a complete physical the first part of November, and ten days later a heart murmur was detected. Within 24 hrs she had congestive heart failure and slipped quickly to heaven where she can now run, play, and bask in the warmth of the love we will always feel for her. She was our special little girl, and is truly missed. At this wonderful time of the year we wish all of you the best in life. May the Lord bless and keep you. May you remember His love and His sacrifice for you as you go through life.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
All our love, Erick and Kathi
Erick and Kathi on the steps of the White House
River Boat on the Mississippi River at Galena
The Romney Rally, where we had our 20 seconds of fame on TV
Kathi getting ready to slide down the side of the mountain on the Alpine Slide near Galena
Erick & Kathi at the Lincoln Memorial
Bike Riding on Washington Island
Erick at George Washington University
Kathi wading in Lake Michigan on Washington Island
Kaysye poking her nose out of her blankets. She loved to hide.
Kaysye chillin' in her bed. She loved to relax.
Kaysye begging to be picked up.
I think a little boy wanted to pet her.
She was very nervous around children.
Kaysye relaxing in the sun. She loved to bask in the sun.
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