Good old fashion Wargan Morwick Christmas & Much More!

Christmas '09 was quite an event.  Rory had fun tearing up wrapping paper and enjoyed playing with her cousins - Addy, Quinn, Tyson and Ayman - who made the trip north from Valdez and Olympia.  The month of December was filled with parties and get-togethers; we are fortunate to have so much family and friends nearby to help celebrate the holidays.  Below is a picture of Rory with her cousins (it was the best we could do with little ones squirming around). 

A week into 2010, my college friend Sonja and her son Arturo came to Fairbanks for a visit.  We hadn't seen each other since my wedding (2004) and she hadn't changed a bit.  Arturo is a few months younger than Rory and she sensed it...patting his back like a baby...it was sweet.

The 2010 legislative session has begun, which means that Yuri is now commuting to Juneau.  Thankfully, session is only 90 days and he is scheduled to return home most weekends.  Rory and I headed to Juneau last weekend to visit.  Rory stayed behind for the week to hang out with her Grandparents, Great-Grandpa, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.  She has returned to Fairbanks unscathed.  Below is a picture taken of the 4 generations of Morgans.  L to R: Sid (Yuri's father), Rory, Yuri and Sid Sr. (Yuri's grandfather).

Several weeks ago, Rory underwent minor surgery to get "tubes" inserted in both ears.  She has battled ear infections most of her young life, and already, the procedure has noticeably improved her quality of life.

Picture below:  Close family friend and amazing glass artist, Martin Janecky, hanging out on the couch with Rory and Yuri.  Behind them is a fabulous painting that artist Jan Viresen made for our living room.  He was in town last summer painting the diarama for the Morris Thompson center and stayed in the apartment next to us.  The gift was so thoughtful and we are loving it!

Following are some random pictures that show you how big Rory is getting. Note that she is 100% mobile now...walking and running like a slightly intoxicated trackstar.

Against child labor laws, we are starting Rory young...she loves to clean (unlike her mother)!

Bathtime at Rory's grandparents home in Juneau...notice the cute belly and numerous dimples on her backside...so cute!

Erna Frieda Morgan

In early January, we lost another dear family member.  Yuri's Grandmother (Paternal) Erna passed away after a long fight with Alzhimers.  She was a special woman with a huge heart.  We are so thankful that Rory had a chance to meet her last year when we spent several weeks in Juneau.  Erna will be greatly missed.  Following is her obituary.

Longtime Juneau resident Erna Frieda Morgan died Jan. 4, 2010, after a long struggle with alzhimer's disease. Her husband, children, and Juneau grandchildren were at her side. She was 88.
She was born in 1921 in Castle Rock, WA, to Erna A. and Edmond E. Kluth. She attended school there, graduating from Castle Rock High in 1940. She married her high school sweetheart, Sid, on January 1, 1941.

In the spring of 1953, she and her children traveled from Seattle to Dillingham to join her husband, who was an agent with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. She and her family moved to Juneau in 1957 and subsequently lived briefly in Cordova and Petersburg before returning to Juneau for good in 1960.

She worked as an accounting technician and accountant with St. Anne's Hospital, Dr. Riederer and Dr. Ray's family practice clinic, and the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, retiring from the state in 1985.

In her youth, she was a voracious reader of mysteries and an avid deer hunter and fisher. She was a lifelong cribbage player. She was a good mother and indulgent grandmother who will be remembered for her love of family, generosity and graciousness.

Parties, parties and more parties!

The last month has been filled with lots of excitement!  Rory celebrated her first birthday on November 28th.  We didn't have a large party, but family came over for lunch and cake to celebrate the occassion.  Rory was more enamored by the balloons than by the cake or gifts - figures! 

My folks (Warwick's) celebrated their 40th anniversary and to celebrate, Yuri, Jesse, Petra and I threw a "surprise" party for them.  I put suprise in quotations as it actually didn't turn out to be a surprise (many people let the cat out of the bag - oh well).  They were married in 1969 when my mom was a stewardess and my dad was a young accountant.  We decided that this was a great theme so we asked people to come dressed as stewardesses or accountants...it was great.  It's hard to believe that they got married after only knowing each other for 3 months and they have been together 40 years - Congrats!

We had a Christmas open house/housewarming party on December 12th.  It was fun to show off the remodeled house, catch up with friends and family and meet some of our new neighbors.

Finally, Rory has just begun to walk.  She can stand on her own and takes a few steps...I suspect in a few weeks she will be running around. 

Hope you all have a merry Christmas and a safe New Years!  Enjoy the pictures.

1st Birthday
Little miss queen-for-a-day on her throne.  Below are a few pictures of Rory on her big day.

L to R - Aunt Genevieve, Grandma Linda, Great-grandpa Bud and granddad Andy enjoying the festivities.

Warwick 40th Anniversary Party
Below is a group shot of the anniversary party guests.  We did a sit-down dinner for just under 30 friends and family. 

Jesse, Petra and I posing with good friend Renee Limoge (next to me) who was acting chef for the evening.  She did a great job putting together a sit-down dinner for 30 people...we couldn't have pulled off the party without her.

My folks enjoying their anniversary party!

My uncle Randy came to the party dressed as a stewardess - that man has fantastic legs!!!!!

Yuri and I enjoying the party once the work was over.

Miscellaneous Happenings
Ella and Symone (right) Bailey pose with Rory at our baby gate.

Enjoying some quite time after our open house.  Rory was very well behaved and as cute as can be in her tutu.