Anna's baptism

Today I was privileged to perform Anna's baptism at Bethel Church. Tim and Jenny's good friends Kaare and Michelle Kvenild served as sponsors, and Jenny's family was up for the occasion too. Gary and Brenda and their kids, and Joy's parents and her brother Nate and his family also joined us, and after the service we all gathered at our house for lunch. With all three of our kids here, we were able to get a good photo of the 3 siblings while we were taking pictures.

Hina Matsuri (Japanese "Doll Festival Day"

Pete, Michelle and Summer came up this weekend to see Anna, Tim & Jenny's new baby. Joy likes to put out all her Japanese dolls and decorations this time of year for "Hina Matsuri," and so we had the traditional Doll Festival food, and dressed Summer and Ellie in kimono.

Anna comes for a visit.

We got to watch Anna a bit on Saturday while Tim and Jenny went out to lunch for Valentine's Day. Ellie was napping when these were taken, then her mom and dad came and took her out to Burger King for a Valentine's dinner with her. On Sunday evening Tim and his family and Joy's parents joined us for dinner, so the Great Grandparents got to visit with Anna too.

Anna Lynne is home...

Anna Lynne is now home, enjoying her family. She's proudly wearing the hat that Jenny's mother Sandy knit for her, the same style that she made for Ellie when she was born, but a different color. Ellie loves to give her little sister kisses. When we went over today with Joy's mother, Myrtle, Ellie got out her cooking toys and was passing around little plastic cupcakes, and showing us her room (which she does each time you go over there).

Grandchild #3 -- Anna Mathiesen

Yesterday Joy and I were given the privilege of welcoming our third grandchild, Tim and Jenny's little Anna. Joy and Jenny's parents were at the hospital with Tim and Jenny, while I cared for Ellie until the baby sitter arrived, after which I stopped by the hospital to check on how things were going. Within minutes we heard Anna's cries. She was healthy and beautiful, and her mother said she was very "relieved."

Look, I"m like Daddy!

After having dinner at our house, Tim, Jenny and Ellie were waiting for the car to warm up before heading back home. Ellie decided she could stand just like Daddy.

January Christmas at Michelle's

With all the snowstorms, Christmas celebrations with family have been more of a challenge. Yesterday Joy and I drove down to North Branch to celebrate with Michelle's family. The weather was good, everyone was healthy and we had a great time. Since Jenny's delivery date is January 30, hopefully when their Baby #2 comes along the weather will be cooperative and we can all get together at one time and place.