Every year for the past several years, I've volunteered at the First Lego League in my area. For the past 4 years I was in Fort Collins, Colorado, but this year I am in Dubuque, Iowa. It was interesting seeing how other events are different/similar. The thing that was similar, was the passion for these students learning about robots and being nerdy.

While I was down in East Peoria on business, I noticed this set up. I had my camera, but no real tripod. I had a real small tripod that I was able to set on my car and take a few shots. I didn't bring a good coat there so I didn't take many shots, but I was happy with this one

Katherine and I made it down to the Gardens at Spring Creek. Every year they put up lights and people can walk through for free (suggested donation though). If you live in the area it is definentely something to go see.

We made it down to Zoo lights at the Denver Zoo the weekend before Christmas, which seems like a bad idea, but it wasn't any busier than any other year that we've gone. We got there before they were letting people in because we knew if we got there any later we wouldn't have been able to find a parking spot. This is definentely a cool place to go during the holidays, but you have to plan it out ahead of time!

After Zoo Lights, we stopped by Mallard Pond Drive in Boulder. I've been here before in the past and it is worth the 30 minute detour on the way home.

This year I spend Christmas with Katherine's family. We celebrated Christmas with my family on Christmas Eve, and we went to Katherine's parents house to wake up there on Christmas day. It made Katherine happy that I was with her family all on Christmas.

Katherine got a new tattoo today. It says "Remember the magic". I don't think she'll be forgetting the magic anytime soon!