2003

Welcome to our Christmas letter.

Alfred L. Hadick, Mickey's father and hero to many, passed away in June. Other than that, it was the same old, same old.

In April, we took our first really long drive as a family, visiting Mickey's brother in Florida. That's far away. The drives to Wisconsin were like training for this, and it went as well as is possible. Tough trip but worth it to be with family.

We visited Universal Studios while we were in Florida. Except for the fact that it's owned by a French company, it was alright. Amazing thing is we're 1,300 miles from home, in one of the largest theme parks in the world, and we run into people from our neighborhood, schoolmates of Alex and Emily, and a stylist from the salon where Mary has her hair done. Everybody who can't think of anything better to do on their vacation has the same dumb idea: go where everybody else is going, and spend your money there. For example, Universal produces a Nickelodean show, "Slime Time Live," and we're waiting to go inside, and Emily's dance instructor and her daughter, who is one of Emily's friends, is coming out, having been at the previous show. That's a coincidence.

Frequent readers of this Christmas Brag letter will recognize certain patterns, so the remainder of the year is condensed into the following list for your convenience:

• Emily played an oyster (yes, "oyster") in a local production of "Alice in Wonderland/Through the Looking Glass". Seventy-seven hours of rehearsal for one line.
• Emily played teeball in summer, but, no offense, dancing and singing is more her thing. She takes a jazz, ballet, and tap combination class, and has added baton and pom-pom.
• Alex had what for him is a good year: floor hockey, baseball, two outdoor soccer teams, and now indoor soccer and basketball. They weren't all at once, but were spead out.
• Mary had her high school reunion back in Athens, Wisconsin. The FFA reconfirmed Mary as their best gal. That's an honor.
• Returned to Wisconsin for a very fun wedding (Mary's niece Deidi) one weekend in October.
• Mary's mother visited for Grandparent's day at school, the guest of Emily.
• Thanksgiving family tour included Columbus and Cleveland. Ohio has a lot of "C" cities.
• No one has bought Mickey's novel yet (again). He's almost done with a second one, but is greatly distracted by digital photography and video. That's a hobby.
• Emily is in the "MSU Prepatory Children's Choir". They sound really nice.
• Mary will once again be coordinating the cookie sales for Emily's Brownie troop. She's a good Mom.
• Alex advanced to third grade, and Emily is now in second. They're learning things.
• Mickey has grown a beard. He looks good.
• We now have neighbors on both sides of us. That's not much to brag about, but we thought you might like to know.

Hope all is well with all who read this. God bless you, everyone.

We remain,

The Hadicks: Mickey, Mary, Alex, and Emily (and Shaggy, the dog in the picture)

 Future Farmers of America, Athens, Wisconsin chapter