It's been a year!

Amy and Rick have officially survived the Pacific Northwest for one year.

Back in 2007, the newlyweds were ignorant as what to expect from the Rose City (or at least a suburb of the Rose City). Now, in 2008, the still-newly married couple are just as ignorant but are at least getting a handle on how to get from Point A to Point B without a Thomas Guide (sometimes).

The Portland area has become less foreign as favorite resturants are discovered (Arawan, Portland City Grill, Bay 13), and the quickest routes are deteremined by trial-and-error.

While they are not seasoned veterans of Portland just yet, Rick and Amy are excited about exploring as much as they can.

And there is a standing offer to anyone who wants to visit - we love to have guests!

Call me 'Don'

On the last day of January in the year of our Lord 2008, at 2:14 in the afternoon, Julia Grace was born to my sister and brother-in-law.

This bundle of joy entered the world at 19 1/2 inches long and 7 pounds 11 1/2 ounces with dark hair and healthy lungs.

I am honored to say Amy and I have been asked to be Godparents, the first Godchild for either of us. Julia will also be the first niece or nephew to know my wife only as Aunt Amy.

The mother and child are both doing extremely well and recovering at home in Long Beach.