Merry Christmas!

 It's that time of year for the annual Haugen Holiday parole status updates.

All things considered, this was one of our better years. We added one to the family, have another warming in the oven, and now have all the kids back in the 605, actually in the same county, within 20 minutes of each other. It's almost like high school again with kids coming in and out and lunches here and there and it's great, especially since they aren't asking for money as much.

Luke and Kayla moved back this spring. He's still writing parking tickets; spent many of his weekends chasing antelope and deer with his bow and arrows; and found time to knock up his wife. They are due with their first rugrat in March and this will be our third grand-daughter to spoil. Kayla got a job at Monument Health doing stuff I don't understand with cancer research, but fortunately she does. Big dog Klaus has a few more months of being #1 in their house and enjoys his visits to grandpa and grandma's to visit Finn.

Rylee and Stetson returned to the area this summer after she gave birth to Maye Marie. The little slobber monster is healthy and raring to go to keep up with her sister Josie Jayne, who is a three-year-old human tornado and apple of my eye. Rylee took a teaching job with Children's Home Society of the Black Hills; and Stetson with the Monument Health cardio center or something or other.

Katie and Kwinn are still doing their thing. Katie manages West River stuff for our current congressman and next governor Dusty Johnson; and Kwinn travels around the country from Utah to Idaho helping companies find precious minerals to keep your iPhones and electric cars running. They are remodeling their home in the Hills and try to keep up with their golden retriever Gilmore.

Nancy is still assisting the back-cracker and stays busy teaching Sunday school and on a board called Church Response, which helps the homeless in Rapid City. When not entertaining her grands, helping little old ladies cross the street and nursing abandoned kittens, she drinks a lot of Windsor and gambles excessively. (Don't want you thinking she's too good for me.)

Not a darn thing new with me. I might be a tad grumpier than last year but, jeesh, have you been around people lately? The Twins and Vikings sucked, my garden was nothing special, and the guys at poker have been picking on me, so can you blame me?

Finn's been living his best life. Lots of walks and jogs and ball chasing. He especially loves his visits from Klaus and Gilmore. Rumor has it he may be getting a brother sometime soon, as the boss lady is weakening from the basset hound puppy pictures I've been inundating her with (never end a sentence with a preposition).

Mom is still doing well at assisted living in Milbank. She had a slight scare, but no damage was done, when she took a spill when one of the wheels came off her walker during a race down the hall with Mildred Magilicutty. Worst of all is I lost 20 bucks on her. Check your equipment, Mom!

So there you have it. Hope all is well with you and your families. Have a Merry Christmas and may 2026 fill your dreams like Sydney Sweeney does her blue jeans.