2001 Christmas Newsletter

To celebrate the first Christmas of the new millenium, we thought we'd do things a little differently. Instead of traditional cards or printed newsletters, we decided to go multimedia.

We not only saved on stamps, but we were able to procrastinate to the very last minute! Click on some of the photos and you'll get a full-size picture.

In a moment (depending on the speed of your connection), Justin will perform a 45 second clip of Jingle Bells for you. Netscape users try this. Select View / Refresh to hear it again.

One of last year's biggest highlights was Justin's introduction to classical guitar. He studies with Kristina Romero at the San Diego Arts & Music Academy.

Justin practices for 30 minutes (almost) every day and he loves to play for freinds and family. This year he claims he will learn piano as well. We'll see about that!

Second Grade Already!

Can you believe it? Justin is 7 1/2 and attends the Rhoades School in Encinitas, CA.He's fortunate to have Ms. Lyman, the coolest teacher around.

She is totally hip to Justin's off-beat antics so she keeps him challenged. Chris and Ana certainly don't remember long division or learning to type in the second grade. It's amazing what kids can absorb.

NHL or PGA?

Justin loves the speed and thrills of ice hockey. Check out our hockey web site at www.highslot.com. But, we're convinced that golf is his real game. He's facinated by all the nuances of the game.

This year, Justin, Ana, Bernie & Chris were a regular weekend foursome at Lake San Marcos Executive. Justin takes full advantage of every opportunity to act as Ana's swing guru.

"Mommy, lay the club face open when you are in the kitty litter and play it back in your stance."

Now Justin has graduated to full-sized courses. Over the past four days we played Twin Oaks, Rancho Bernardo Inn (pictured at left on the par 3 13th), and Eagle Crest. For a father, it does not get any better.

Golf is the perfect vehicle to discover the joy of comradery while learning to have fun no matter where that little white ball ends up.

Back to Work

After 3 years off, Ana is back in the ranks of the working. Her former employer, Schumacher, wooed her back into her old department. Meanwhile, Chris stays busy as an independent consultant -- check out his on-line profile for the latest details.

Honoring our Beloved Esperanza

2001 was a difficult year as well -- September 11th touched us all in ways we have yet to fully comprehend.

For our family, 2001 also marked the untimely passing of Ana's beloved sister, Esperanza, at the age of 48.

Esperanza (at right with her son, Danté) was one of God's finest creations. Her outer beauty was exceeded only by her inner beauty. She was one of those rare individuals who could make the simplest of occasions warm and wonderful. Esperanza radiated charm, wit and wisdom.

But, most of all, Esperanza should be remembered as someone who lived life to its full extent.We try our best to honor her memory by living our lives the same way.

Visits and Vacations

2001 was a great year for getting together with freinds and loved ones.

In April, we spent a terrific week in Acapulco, Tasco and Cuernevaca with Ana's sister, Nena, and the rest of familia Crocé.
In the summer, Chris's best friend from high school, Terry White, came out for a week.
Right after that, Chris's cousin from New Zealand, Donald Macleod, came out for 10 days.
Finally, we finished up with a long November weekend in Napa Valley with our great friends from Chicago, Craig & Ellen VandeLune.
In 2002, we hope to make a long overdue trip to visit Chris's family back in England and Scotland. We also hope to make another trip to Mexico. Consider yourselves warned!

Misha's Big Operation

For you dog lovers, we have to share the pain and joy of our 8 1/2 year old Siberian Husky puppy.

A few weeks ago, Misha became very sick and the vets couldn't figure out what it was. He was in the hospital for 3 days while they ran all these tests.

We were sure we would lose him.

Finally, we went to a specialist in internal medicine. Turns out, his gall bladder burst and it was doggie ER time. They had to cut him open and literally rinse out his insides from all the bile.

Yikes. Check out the zipper on that tummy! They also gave him this knarly poodle cut on his front legs so they could stick him with IVs.

Thankfully, the surgery was a success and Misha is back on the road to recovery. Our family learned a lot about love that week.

So Long and have a Happy New Year!