Evelyn and I were very lucky on our timing in getting to Chicago. Earlier in the week there was the big ice storm in the midwest (mainly Oklahoma and Missouri, which we don’t go through [much]), and then a good snow storm in Chicago the day after we arrived. Lucky for us, we slipped in during the one good day for travel. Though, it was quite a “treat” to deal with 6-8 inches of snow.

Last Sunday we were at Arianna’s baptism, which was very nice. All of the kids were well behaved, and it was a very nice service. (The minister was the same man who married Mike and Erika.) I’m a godfather now, which means I only wear expensive suits and grant people “favors”.

And what a wacky godfather I am: I’m the only Nelson child who is a confirmed Lutheran. Plus, I’m A-Okay as far as the Roman Catholic church is concerned (Evelyn and I were married in a Roman Catholic Church, and you must be a confirmed Christian to do that). And yet, I’m a Secular Humanist at heart (of the non asshole variety: I’m not big on dismissing others beliefs).

After the baptism, we headed over for a buffet breakfast and lunch, which was quite nice. My nephew Glenn was a little annoyed at first, but after being given a window seat, he amused himself quite nicely. It’s amazing to see how much he as changed from the last time we saw him (August). He has really turned into a little boy, and he’s not at all afraid of Evelyn or I, even though he infrequently sees us.

Over the last week, I went into work two days, which was just enough. No matter what the office, I’d rather be working at home. On my “days off” I was able to spend time with Arianna. She’s a wonderful little girl, who really loves grandma and grandpa. (My parents babysit her during the week, now that Erika has returned to work.) She really knows how to amuse herself and loves rattles (including banging herself with them).

This past Friday (the 21st) we headed to the northside to visit with Evelyn’s sister and her mom. Her mom came up for Christmas from Puerto Rico; this is the first time we’ve seen her in a year and a half. We’ll be up here through Christmas Eve, visiting friends and family in the area. Then it’s back to the southside for a while, then north again, and finally south before we head back to Austin.

It should be a nice, quiet, Christmas. This is nice, as 2008 seems to be turning into a very busy year for Evelyn and I. Evelyn will be really digging into her electronics business, and I’ll be doing a bunch of consulting. Who knows what this next year will bring.