Well, it's sure been busy in 2004. Please read the updates below to get the details (in reverse chronological order, as usual).
Nathan was our first visitor of the winter season, getting here on Dec. 23 and staying into the new year, Jan. 3. We had a great time while he was here, including a quick, one-day road trip to Las Vegas and a shorter day trip to Julian and up Palomar Mountain, both by Ehren & Nathan. We also made a trip to the zoo and to "candy cane lane" to see the Xmas lights. We spent a quiet New Years Eve at home with Brendon, Janice, and little Nathan joining us for filet mignon and lobster dinner and Remi joining later in the evening. Ehren also got some foosball lessons from Saskatchewan greatest!
January brought us Deana, in from Omaha to do a 4 week stint in the pharmacy at the Cancer Center in La Mesa (where Janelle works) as part of finishing up her Pharm.D. course. While most of her time here was spent working, she did find some time to do some shopping and visit the zoo. She was also kind enough to do some baby-sitting while she was here so we were able to go out for supper and see a movie at the theatre - what a night!
The family Brits, Lana & Samuel, joined us for a week in mid Jan. for Emily's baptism (see above). It's always fun to have the two of them around and we know we will be in for some good eating for at least one night. While here, we took them to Carlsbad for a bit of shopping and did some other minor site-seeing. Most of the time was spent with Emily - she certainly wasn't lonely.
Grandpa Blair & Grandma Darlene hoped a bird from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, to attend Emily's baptism also. The house was really filling up at this point, so it was mostly just a job of getting everyone fed and washed. They also spent a day baby-sitting Emily while Janelle was working! Not much else too exciting that we can recall, but they'll be back soon!
Deana's hubby Jay arrived for Emily's baptism weekend also. It was great that he could manage to get the time off work to take part in the ceremony (Deana & Jay are Emily's god-parents). Time was short, but everyone always enjoys hanging out with the Nebraskan!
Uncle Ron & Auntie Ev made a quick trip down from Hemit (they were spending a few weeks vacation there, out of the Saskatchewan cold). We are extremely happy that some more family could attend Emily's baptism, but somehow in the whirlwind we missed getting a photo taken with them. :-( Anyway, it was nice to see them for the weekend.
Emily's baptism was on Jan. 17, 2004, at the St. Gregory the Great parish just off of Scripps Poway Parkway. Deacon Ron Diem conducted the ceremony. In attendance were Deana & Jay (god-parents), Lana & Samuel, Blair & Darlene, Ron & Ev, Jackie Regier, Brendon & Janice & Nathan Johnson, Herbert & Isabelle Vanhove, and Russell Zirnhelt. It was a beautiful day and a wonderful baptism. Emily held it together pretty well and didn't get too excited about the water being poured over her head. After the ceremony and some pictures, we all went out for lunch at Souplantation in Mira Mesa. Congratulations Emily!!!
Ehren played in the annual PUH2000 President's Day hockey tourney again this year. Much of the team was the same as our championship team from last year, but things just didn't click. The Rockin' Baja Lobsters were out after 3 games, but I think everyone had a good time.
Grandma Elaine was here to visit Emily (and us) from Feb. 6-21. While here, she got to see a few games of hockey, did lots of baby-sitting (yeah, we got to go out for a Valentine's Day dinner), and also got to see a bit more of the city. We also made another trip to Julian to enjoy another great slice of pie. She also gave us 3 more beautiful paintings, which we have already put up in our house!! And as a bonus, the weather finally cooperated with her visit!
Blain and Grace just left today after a 9 day stay. They did some touristy things here, like Sea World, Balboa Park, and the SD Trolley Tours, and also hit the road for a night in Las Vegas. They also spent a lot of quality time helping with Emily and she was excited to play with them every day. On their last day here, Ehren also joined them for a quick trip out to Borrego Springs and back through Julian (including a stop for pie).
