January 10 2010

We've had a great stay in California. After all, what's not to like? An adorable new baby boy in the family, a wonderful Christmas, a great New Year and tons of time with family and friends. Does it get better than this?

Today was another highlight. Ryker was blessed by his daddy in the Ventura First Ward. The building is lovely and in a beautiful setting overlooking the ocean. Dave did a wonderful job with the blessing and the ward expressed so much love for Dave and Becca and Ryker along with Dave's family. His dad and mom have lived in this ward since Dave and Jim were babies. Ryker looked adorable in his blessing outfit, although those of you who saw my pictures online will rejoice in the knowledge that we did not make him wear the Amish hat for the blessing. We only put it on long enough to get a picture. He looked very cute when Daddy held him up after the blessing.

Randy and Heather provided a lovely luncheon at their home. They are always hospitable and welcoming and we had a great time there. Besides us, Ed and Dede, Dick and Aniece, and Rebecca's friends Darrold and Christine came to the house. We had great food and lots of fun visiting and snuggling our little Ryker.

We have been busy, busy, busy these for the almost 4 weeks we've been in California. We bounce back and forth between staying with Heather and staying with Rebecca. Both girls have gone out of their way to provide a comfortable place for us in their homes. This week we are spending 2 nights with Ed and Dede, 2 nights with Rebecca, and then 3 nights with Heather. Next Monday we check into Embassy Suites and will stay there 4 nights, 3 with Sharon after she arrives on Jan 19. Jan 22 we will either be at Rebecca's house or on our way home. We expect to be home by Jan 24.

So what have we done here? Do we need to mention being here for Ryker's birth? It was so difficult and Dave and Rebecca handled it all so well. We were blessed to be here and experience it all with them. We were proud of all of them. Randy and Heather made Christmas so wonderful, as did those of you who couldn't be with us but called and sent many lovely, lovely gifts. Thank you all for your ever present love!


We've seen some great movies (Avatar, Leap Year, Princess and the Frog) and some not-s0-great movies (Have You Heard About the Morgans?). We've done some shopping, some baby-sitting, and lots of eating! It's been a great visit. We both feel good and have been surprised by our energy level. Sometimes it's a challenge to keep up with all grandkids, but overall we have had the energy to do so and have a lot of fun.

So hope you're all having a great start to the New Year! Those of you we haven't seen this visit we'll be seeing shortly.