Dear Friends,

It is hard to believe it is already time to put together another annual catalog, write my annual letter, and begin another busy holiday season.

Jared and I are in our fifth year of retail store ownership and enjoy it more each year. The processing plant that was completed last year allows us to walk next door to get our completed pecan candies, pecan pies, pecan bars, and more.

After owning the 15,000 pecan tree orchard for 33 years, my parents sold it in April 2012 to a conscientious group that holds the same high values and standards as my family. The new owners intend to keep the pecan orchard producing the same high-quality pecans that we ship and sell in our store.

We still feel blessed to be able to run our business as a family. Having my parents, brother, sister, and their families come in the store and go straight for a chocolate fix puts a smile on our faces.

Hal & Lisa are busy with their four grandchildren, with Lisa playing trains, riding horses, or swimming with them almost everyday! Hal still consults with the new owners, but has also returned to his childhood passion by buying a roping horse and building a roping arena. The grandkids love watching Papa rope! Jared and I continue to work at the retail store and shelling plant. We have added new accounts, which keep the candy making and processing facility even busier. We also balance our time with our two-year-old son, Logan and we are preparing for our second child in January. Kylene and Will continue to enjoy raising animals. In addition to their daughters, three-year-old Kyndall and six-month-old Kenzie, they raise bighorn sheep, horses, and whitetail deer. Kylene is still a massage therapist, and Will continues to work in law enforcement. Brandon and Brandi's furniture making and sawmill business continues to grow. Brandon has hired three employees and has started shipping wood to other states. Brandi assists with the business, while taking care of their two-year-old son, Clay. We are a close-knit family, and most family gatherings involve talking about pecans and eating pecan products.

Thank you to our long-term, loyal customers, and welcome to our new customers! We appreciate your business, and thank you for allowing us to continue the business we love.