Bowl-a-thon

Once a year - I bowl....at the Disney charity Bowl-a-thon. It's fun - more chatting than bowling for me of course. You can always tell the people that grew up in the midwest....we all know how to bowl!!!

Maris and Ilga's Birthdays

Had a lovely celebration for Ilga turning 88 and Maris hitting the big 66 --- can you believe it? We kind of pinch ourselves sometimes. Just don't feel as old as we are. Karington is 9 weeks old and she is filling out and starting to smile now....cute!

Four generations....Ilga - 88, Maris 66, Kristin 26, and Karington 9 weeks.

Look....she's smiling!!
It was a gorgeous day on the porch - sunny and warm.

And of course a big, yummy meal - pot roast, salad, and of course - cake!

Maris comment - "Great day, but I wish all the kids could have been here." We appreciate they all need to move on, but boy, do we miss them especially on days like this.

Unsettling times

Over the past few weeks, Disney has been adjusting staffing levels due to economic conditions. It's been very uncomfortable for me. (OK, that's a big understatement). I've had to reduce my staff - primarily temporary or part time positions, but difficult none the less. Then my boss took early retirement - but don't know who I report to now. I don't know if my job is secure either but should have confirmation on that within the next few weeks. ugh! Orlando is suffering job losses more than more places. I love working at Disney and would hate to leave....so let's keep our fingers crossed!!!!!

On the brighter side...Maris started taking Social Security this month (the upside to turning 66)!

China revisited

Today we had some of our friends from the China trip visit us. Janet and Paul (from NJ) were 1 couple of the 12 people who were on the trip 9/07....hard to believe it's that long ago! Anyway, it was great to have the here -- we reminissed about the trip and how often we think about it. China is more different that anywhere else we have traveled. Nothing like spending the better part of 2 weeks (24/7) with people to really get to know them! It was a beautiful day and we sat out on the FABULOUS new back porch and chatted and laughed for about 3 hours.

Family Visit

We didn't have the opportunity to get together this year at Thanksgiving or Christmas with all the kids, and son-in-laws, and grandchildren....so we did that in January. It was WONDERFUL having everyone here for a while. Allison got to hang out with some new Aunts, Uncles, and Grandparents....

And Karington got to meet Aunt Jenna, Uncle David and Uncle Ivan for the first time.

Gorgeous weather...a stroll in the park...

Allison loves ice cream (well, who doesn't?) and got a spoonful from almost everyone in the room! (Looks like Dasher is hoping for some too....ha)

What a funny face!

New moms needs naps....lots and lots of them...
Good practice (juggling a baby and a toddler) for Jenna. March 31st will be here really, really soon!
Our big tub was practically a swimming pool for Allie. Nice to have some one use it. One time after her bath (she was out of the tub) Dasher just had to jump in. Don't know why - maybe all the toys? They became good buddies while she was here.

What a beautiful family!

On the final weekend, we had a "sprinkle" for Baby Boy Chatterley...about 20 people and lots of blue things for him.

We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful family....!

On the 12th Day of Christmas.....!

Christmas as always stretches out in our family over about 12 days - sort of starts with the concerts and ended today with celebrating with Kyle, Kristin, and Karington. "Sleeping Beauty" snuggled in everyone's arms! Opop holding her.......

Dad gets to take a turn with a some "extra" formula.

Now it's Grandma Carol's turn to hold her.

No wait....its great-grandma Ruth's turn.....here's a BIG yawn..........!

And finally, mom gets her in the end.

Visit to Karington!

Maris and I drove over to Tampa to visit with Karington and Kristin and Kyle on Saturday. She's a whole week old now! Maris looks pretty smitten!

Oh my gosh.....we can see her eyes! (usually she's sleeping)

Is there anything better than kissing the top of a baby's head?

Everyone took a nap for a few minutes!

Awwwwwwww!