PRETTY LADY

THIS PRETTY LADY IS KAYA.
SHE IS SEVEN-YEARS-OLD TODAY!

TO BE OR NOT TO BE...

TO BE OR NOT TO BE VACCINATED...

that's been the big question this year.

The swine flu scare has had many running and lining up for their shots, but others fear the vaccine may have side effects that may not become known for many years.
I had always scoffed the notion of seasonal flu shots and did not even consider getting the vaccination. But, if I had to decide again, I would probably have chosen differently. Both Harry and I have been quite sick since the last week in November. A persistent cough is the most annoying feature of whatever is ailing us.

WELCOME BABY CECILIA!

Nick and Gracia have a baby girl!
Cecilia Monique
Born; December 26, 2009
Weight: 7 pounds 3 ounces
Length: 19 1/2 inches

Elly and Cecil are in Portland to welcome their first grandchild!

CHRISTMAS 2009

a light meal....

a lot of gifts...

mixed emotions...
CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS 2009

HANDSOME FELLOW

THIS HANDSOME FELLOW IS BENJAMIN
HE IS TWO-YEARS-OLD TODAY!

LAS POSADAS

Jake and Vereni hosted a family dinner at their house on Saturday December 19. Vereni introduced our family to the Mexican tradition of celebrating Las Posadas. The nine-day celebration lasts from December 16 to December 24. It is a time when people remember the journey of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem and their search for shelter in their time of need. Showing hospitality is important during the festival of Las Posadas, welcoming people into your homes as family, singing with them and sharing a meal, extending the hospitality that was denied to Joseph and Mary and the expected Jesus.

BATH TIME FOR "BABY"

It's amazing...and a little scary, to see that children want to do everything that they see adults doing.
Sofia bathing her little baby doll.

AVA IS A "STAR"

Ava is a "star" in the telling of the Christmas story in her preschool Christmas program.

SNOWBALL FIGHT AT A CEMETERY?

Harry's brother Bob turned 60 this December.
All of his siblings headed to the DC area to note that milestone at a surprise birthday party that was planned for Bob by Adri and the kids.
Willie relaxing in the lounge of Sheraton hotel in Baltimore after our flight.
Friday December 4th

Willie had to ask directions when "Garmin" failed us.
DC weather is not co-operating with our plans to do some sightseeing.
Saturday December 5th

Riding in the DC Trolley

The winter weather looks better than it feels!

Some of the things that we were able to see in DC were Union Station, the Capitol, Aerospace Museum, Native American Museum, and a session of the Senate.

As the sun set in DC, we began our trip to Gaithersburg, where Annie and BP would be meeting us that evening. Once again, "Garmin" proved to be unreliable!!

After a fun breakfast at the hotel we headed to the small historic town of Frederick MD.
Sunday Morning December 6th

Annie and Bruce in Frederick

Bruce, Annie, Willie, and Harry
Sunday December 6th

We arrived in Germantown a little too early, so we checked out the local cemetery...
a visit that quickly turned into a snowball fight.

Adri is happy to see Willie.

Bob's Surprise Party

Our Hostess and the Guest of Honor.

On Monday we all went to Georgetown for sightseeing and we enjoyed a special lunch at this pizzeria.

Tuesday, before our flight home, Harry and I walked around the Inner Harbor of Baltimore.