Kuenzli Christmas

 
In order to arrange to get all the Kuenzli clan together, plans have to be made in advance and usually, Christmas is celebrated early. Tim (Jake's Dad) has a very busy season, including 4 services on Christmas eve, and Val (sister-in-law) is a resident and also splits her time between work and her mothers. So, this year, we celebrated on the 21st, after church. There were 8 adults, 1 baby and 4 dogs. It was hectic to say the least, but lots of fun.

Gift giving was different this year. The Kuenzli's decided to adopt 2 kids who are in foster care who would normally not receive much. Jake and I got a whole bunch of money, a bunch of details about the kids and off we went on a shopping spree. We actually did quite well (things are real cheap down here) and hopefully there will be some smiles on Christmas morning.

As a result, our tree was less filled with gifts which was nice. We had more time to appreciate what we did have, and spend more time together, less time ripping open gifts. Don't get me wrong, I too love the gifts, but this was really nice.

You will see I have few photos of anyone but our darling niece Madeline who of course is the center of attention. She is beautiful, growing so much (5 months old) and is such a joy. She giggles and makes tons of noise, is getting really strong and has started eating cereal. Kids grow so fast, it's amazing.

Other news, Toby (who will shortly be renamed) is in the shop, undergoing a complete engine overhaul. For those of you who know Westies, her head gaskets were leaking coolant, meaning they needed to be replaced. An expensive endeavor as it was, so we decided with all the other problems, and overhaul, though more expensive, was a worthwhile investment. We will be able to travel with a better conscience and hopefully, less problems. This was confirmed a couple days later when another problem we had been having, rod knock, became infinitely worse with our oil pressure light buzzing, and we could not drive the van at all. It was a tough pill to swallow, but we are now moving forward, much poorer, but looking to a new name, a new year and hopefully, a less eventful 2nd leg of the trip.

On the 26th, after spending Christmas day with Linda's side of the family (7 siblings and their offspring) Jake and I will fly home for a couple of weeks in Montreal. We can't wait to see all our friends. Then, back to the states for some more traveling over the winter and spring.

And other good news, Jake was approved by Immigration, so when we fly in to Montreal, he will have his landed immigrant Visa and we will be legal!

Hope everyone enjoys a wonderful holiday season...

Kim, Jake and Whipper

http://picasaweb.google.ca/tjkuenzli/KuenzliChristms2008

Home for the holidays

After 2 weeks in Kentucky, with rain, cold, snow, broken van, bad climbing days, and being sick, we decided it was time to come home. Rather than head to Tenessee for a couple of weeks, we decided to head straight home to Columbus to rest, relax be warm and train indoors at a climbing gym. I know, it sounds wierd, we're on a climbing trip and not climbing outside. The weather has been so cold, the motivation low, and our need for some consistent climbing overcame any desire to go any further. We were somewhat demoralized, frustrated and tired.

So, we get in the car yesterday intent on driving the 5 hours to Columbus. Jake had gotten something in his eye while fixing the van, but it hadn't been bothering him. Well, Monday, he woke up in pain, with a red eye and we went straight to the doctors office. 450$ and 4 hours later, we were on our way out of Lexington, minus a piece of metal from his eye, when the alternator went out. Luckily, we were close enough to an Auto-Zone to buy an extra battery to get us there, got the part and Jake fixed the van. Finally we arrived in Columbus around midnight.

Kentucky was not all bad. It was wonderful to see our friends, Miguels' celebrated 25 years in business with a great event, bonfire and party. We had a couple of good climbing days and a wonderful Thanksgiving. It was a good time, but we needed a break.

We look forward to some quiet, time with family, getting into shape and enjoying the warmth before we head south after Christmas to continue our adventure.

Photos to come soon.