Fort Wayne, my hometown

Fort Wayne, Indiana rarely makes national news. It's a small town that tends to keep to itself.

However, a recent debate about what to name the new government building is creating quite a stir! Many people want to name the building after a past Mayor, which seems like an honorable memorial. But is that really their motivation? Or could it be because the Mayor's name is Harry Baals??

Let's see what Jimmy Kimmel has to say about all this:

Christmas Eve

Today is Christmas Eve and it makes me miss my family. Since I moved to Texas I've had to choose going home for either Thanksgiving or Christmas but rarely both. (darn you expensive airfare!)

One of the traditions I miss most during Christmas is my family's annual Christmas Eve Dinner. No, we don't have a fancy homemade spread. No, we don't gather with extended relatives and dine on turkey or ham. No, we don't go to fancy restaurant.

Our family tradition every Christmas Eve is to go eat at Fort Wayne's Famous Coney Island. Yep, a hot dog stand. Well, it's more than a stand. It's a little restaurant full of small-town charm and home to the best Christmas Eve Coney Dog ever.







It's not much to look at, but it's delicious and it's tradition. We've taken many people there with us over the years and everyone enjoys it. We used to get a glass Coke bottle with the Holiday Santa on it every year too, but they stopped selling those (boo).

After dinner we drive around downtown and look at all the big light displays and holiday decorations before making our way home for the night.



It's a great tradition that I certianly miss. What are your Christmas Eve traditions?

been away for a while...

I know, I know. I haven't been keeping up like I should.
But that's what happens when you're on vacation.

For the record, I did make the jump. And I survived.
(Pictures to come soon)

For anyone who wants to know what skydiving is like, just try it. I dare you!
It's amazing though, actually very calm and quiet up there (after the "5,000 feet in 30 seconds" free fall that is!) I loved it and I would do it again if you came with me!

Up next for the DeFreeuw Big Adventure: White Water Rafting in West Virginia.

to live another day...

Well, it didn't go down as planned (literally).

We were all psyched up to do the "big jump" yesterday, and unfortunately the winds of nature had another plan. Only my dad and Big Rob (as I've decided to call him) were able to skydive. They both had fun, despite the haphazard landing! (pictures coming soon) As for the rest of us, well I guess we get to live another day and will have to re-schedule for later this week.

But mark my words, I will jump before I leave Indiana at the end of the week. I've worked myself up too much not to!