Happy New Year: A 2011 review

Merry Christmas from the McDonalds

Wishing all our friends and family Happy Holidays.

We've had another great year in 2011, which we are grateful for as we know there has been much hurt for others. Our prayers and hearts are with those who need it.

Since Christian is writing the letter this year, it will be very list-like. That's the kind of guy he is.

Cory is still teaching 4th grade at Mills Elementary and enjoying it. She is teaming with a new teacher this year and of course has a whole new batch of kids, so life is always new and adventurous. It's great to "work" at something you love doing.

Christian is still at the Statesman and still the Online Projects Editor, but has also added duties as Data Editor, meaning he is helping the investigative team with stories that deal with databases or large spreadsheets and such. New skills, new challenges and a couple of front page bylines.

But it's the boys lives that have changed the most. They both have had significant growth (physically, mentally and emotionally) and accomplishments!

• Sean earned his black belt in Tae Kwon Do.
• Brian earned his Eagle Scout award after completing his project building agility training equipment for the Texas Hearing and Service Dogs.
• Both boys attending the National Youth Leadership Training for scouts during the summer.
• Brian and Christian hiked for 10-days at Philmont Scout Ranch ... a wonderful experience.
• Sean was elected Senior Patrol Leader, giving him a "direct nagging link" to the Scoutmaster, his dad.
• Brian started 9th grade at Bowie High School, ran on the Cross Country team, placing as the second freshman at the district meet. Brian has also been using his running skills to help his dad train for a marathon in February. They are also looking forward to a 15-mile run through Big Bend National Park in January.
• Brian has continued to play soccer, his team moving back into a select league this past year.
• Sean is excelling in 8th grade and is generally doing well. He'll apply to attend the Liberal Arts and Science Academy at LBJ High School next year.

We started 2011 with a New Year's Day hike, like we've done over the last several years. In 2001 we visited Pedernales Falls State Park with the Reyes family. Still one of our favorite parks, and so close to home. On the first day of 2012, we plan to hike the trails of Bastrop State Park, to support their efforts to rebound after a devastating wildfire this past summer. They say 70% of their trails are open, so we hope to see new life growing from the burned remains. Our state parks need your help ... they are asking for donations, or better yet, just visit one or several this coming year.

Merry Christmas for the Table for 19

Merry Christmas to the Berdofe, Manceaux, Mohondro and Reyes families!

As 2011 comes to a close, we've been taking stock of our blessings, and we count your friendship among the most cherished. In a year that has been so rough on so many in Central Texas, we've had it pretty good. Our boys are out growing us, making us proud with their accomplishments in school, scouts and the community, and generally we've been pretty blessed.

In years past, we've expressed our gratitude at the holidays with some lovely gifts and good times together. Last year we bucked the mold a little and made a donation to the Statesman's Season for Caring campaign. This year, we are doing something similar, and we hope that it will inspire you to do the same or something similar.

Our Texas parks have had a rough go of it this year. Between the record drought and the fires in Bastrop State Park, revenues are down for the park. While we would all agree the state needs to step in and take care of our park system, we can also help with our own donations to the Texas State Parks and Wildlife Foundation. We have already done so in the name of the Table for 19, and we welcome you to do the same, or any other organization that you think needs our help.

As a family, we cherish our memories with you all in our state and national parks, and we are sure you feel the same. To help us all remember, we have a framed print of the photo below, taken at Chisos Basis in Big Bend National Park, for each family. I'm not sure which one of us took the photo, but it is a beautiful shot and a fond memory.

Dutch Oven peach pie

I thought I had published this before, but apparently not, so here is a quick version of the Dutch Oven Peach "Cobbler" which is really a pie.

• 1 pkg ready-made roll-up pie crust (like Pilsbury). There are two in the package.
• 1 1/2  16oz package of frozen fruit like peaches, cheeries or what have you. One package is not enough, two is too much.
• 1 tbl flour
• 1 cup sugar
• Cinnamon/Sugar mixture
• 1 stick of butter or margarine, or squeeze Parkay.

Mix the frozen fruit in a gallon zip-lock bag with the sugar and flour. You can do this in advance and put it in your cooler for later in the day.

Like any dutch oven meal, you'll need your coals in advance, so be sure to light them 15 mins before you need them.

Grease a 10-in dutch oven with Pam or butter. Unroll one of the crusts and line the bottom of the pan. Pour in your fruit/sugar mixture. Unroll the second crust and put it on top, pinching the edges together to try and seal together the pie. Spread out slices of butter on the top of the crust, or criss-cross with Parkay. Sprinkle with cinnamon/sugar mixture.

Use 5 or 6 briquettes on the bottom of the oven, and 12 to 14 on the top. Cook for about 45 minutes until the top is golden brown.