The year started off with Matt still in his boot from his broken leg which occurred in 2003, but it came off in January, and his girlfriend Katherine Bailey finally got a chance to see him without crutches and cast since they met in the previous summer. He must have made a good impression, because when he asked her to marry him in July, she said yes. Their wedding is planned for February 5, 2005.
Matt left his job at Merryhill School in January to return to classes at Sac State, and Brad took over the job for a few months. Matt went on to work at a local pre-school and day care, until securing a new position at the Schools Financial Credit Union.
Brad turned 21 in May, and celebrated with a visit to the local Indian casino, but failed to come home a millionaire. He also took on a temporary part-time job with the local Lutheran-Episcopal Campus Ministry. Brad returned to American River College for the Spring and Fall semesters.
In June, Roger and Cece realized a longtime dream and made a nine day trip to Hawaii. They visited the islands of Oahu and Maui, and had great fun sightseeing, shopping and swimming in the warm Pacific Ocean. Cece danced the hula at a luau, and Roger enjoyed snorkeling off the coast of Maui. Taking over 300 pictures, they certainly won’t forget this trip for a long time.
Roger launched the “Antelope Community Web” site on Antelope’s 10th birthday in July, and Cece attended her 30 year High School class reunion in September. They attended several concerts during the year, and even had the opportunity to meet musician Alan Parsons backstage, and Roger’s idol, Todd Rundgren, on another occasion. They also saw the musicals Starlight Express and Grease, Rod Stewart, Herman’s Hermits, Rain, Mannheim Steamroller and will see Trans-Siberian Orchestra in December and Cher in January.
Cece participated in “Race for the Cure,” “Run to Feed the Hungry” and (with Roger) “Crop Walk”. Letting others take the glory of winning, she chooses to walk, rather than run.
Roger continues his role with the “Lutherans ALIVE!” cable TV program, now in its second season, and also plays guitar with his praise band How Majestic.
The Linders wish you the best of this holiday season, and hope that you have a great 2005.