Happy Holidays 2004

1. Happy Holidays 2004 Eric’s Ph.D. Defense Presentation The Tower of London (where’s Abby?) Eric and Kari at the Roman Baths Kew Gardens in London on Halloween Family Photo with Santa (is Eric STILL working on his dissertation???) It will be difficult for any future year to top 2004 in the Grimit family. If life plans on becoming any more action-packed, we might have to move to the Nicaraguan coast and take up real estate like my friend Jason. It was a year that included the memorable and dramatic birth of Abigail Marie on July 14th. I am quite sure that Kari could have done without the drama. From the father’s point of view, it was truly exciting to discover that the new baby was a girl, after being convinced that it Alex and Grandma with the Wise Men Cafe in Dunster, sheltered from the rain Eric, coworkers, and host at the Mu Tian Yu section of the Great Wall Kari and Abby with smiles at Christmas was going to be a boy (along with the majority of our family, friends, and even complete strangers). Alex has adapted to the new situation very well and he seems to love his new sister. I can tell that they will be close throughout their lives. Meanwhile, Alex has grown into a lively, dynamic 2-year-old with an opinion to match. He tests our creativity, our soccer skills, and makes sure to keep us on the cutting-edge of parenting strategies. Recently, Alex suggested to Kari as they sat down at the computer, “Go to Google, Mom.” Kari replied, “What? You know about Google?” Alex said, “Yes, I know Google! Type in ‘Thomas the Really Useful Steam Engine’, so we can play the Thomas game.” Needless to say, Alex has already picked up on the many fine uses of Google. Of course, the other big news of 2004 is that I finally ended my career as a student and earned a Ph.D. from the University of Washington. I never quite know how to respond when people ask how it feels to be finished. I’ve been in school for my entire memory. For the next couple months, I will continue working at UW. Beginning in March, I will work as a civilian contractor for the Air Force remotely from the University in Seattle. So, the more things change, the more they stay the same, too. Kari is keeping busy (obviously) and still working 5 hours per week at The Kindering Center. She enjoyed getting the chance to travel, when we took a “graduation trip” in October to London and Bath with Royce and Ruth Moe (see pictures). The kids traveled well considering how young they were and the eight-hour time difference. It helped to have four adults, but I’m not sure how relaxing the trip was for the Moe’s standards. I was fortunate enough to travel to Beijing, China in September for an exchange with folks who will provide weather support at the 2008 Summer Olympics. It was an honor. We wish all of you the very best and hope to see many of you soon. Happy New Year, Eric, Kari, Alex, and Abby