MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!

We had a wonderful Christmas this year and we hope you did too! Gwen was so fun singing carols, opening presents, and getting into all the excitement. Santa is still not her thing, but at least we have picture where she is not crying :-). Our celebration of Christmas began Christmas Eve at Brad's Grandmother's house with all the Paynes. So many little kids this year made it so much fun! Santa paid a visit and added to all the excitement (for most of the kids, just not mine). So here is The Best of Awards for this year's Christmas:

The Best Santa Picture

Daddy stayed close by when Gwen went to sit near Santa.

The Best Snuggle Moment

Gwen snuggled with Grandmother for a bit before we had to go

After Grandmother's house, we headed to our next stop...Gram and Poppy's house! There the fun continued.

The Best For Speed

Joey did it again! He gave Gwen a personalized Dora Bike!

The Best Action Film

The Best Learning Tool

Ashley and Joey shared with Gwen the secrets of Purdue (the Pubs!) I am hoping she will be a slow learner!

The best Reaction

The Best Tea Party

Joey joined Gwen for her first tea party with her new tea set

The Best Awww Moment

Gram got her own gift from Gwen...can't reveal what it is yet...or Gammy would know!

The Best Display of Excitement

In the process of getting pjs on, Gwen got another burst of energy

The Best Christmas Morning

Gwen didn't even notice her big gift...her love of ornaments was too strong

The Best Smile

Gwen loved the music that this tree played and gave the cutest grin when it started to play

The Best Christmas

Gwen all dolled up (in a new dress) to head to the Tempel Christmas party.

This Christmas was wonderful and we want to say "Thank you" to everyone for making it that way. We can't wait to continue the celebration this week as we head to Chicago to spend time with the Caseys :-)

Santa is coming!!!!!!!!!!

Santa is coming, and we still have a bunch to do before he gets here!!!! However, while Gwen is busy playing with some friends, I will take the time to update on our happenings. After a rough start to this month (me being sick for a week) things have settled down a bit and Christmas decor is now up. Gwen has participated in it all. We recently purchased a new artificial Christmas tree, and she helped play with the box it came in and put the ornaments on. She has also been enjoying the musical decorations, like a reindeer that sings, as much as possible. Here she is when she discovered that it sings:

Reindeer dancing! Oh, what fun!!!!!

Here is Gwen showing everyone how she is such a great helper!

"I can show Christmas spirit"

"I can help Mommy and Daddy watch The Polar Express, and dance with the elves too"

"I can help put ornaments on the tree"

Some other fun pictures:

The first present under the new tree ;-)

Our masterpiece

Along with decorating our house for Christmas, and putting lights outside on the front porch, we also celebrated my birthday (and Auntie Erin's) on the 16th. We all went to Gram and Poppy's house to have dinner. It was a lot of fun and great to be with everyone.

Gwen helped open my presents. She really liked this one.

Gwen also helped me blow out the candles on the cake, but was a little nervous with so many candles.

Gwen's new favorite toy...the other Gwen!!!!!

So pretty! Gwen and Daddy ready for a Christmas party

Not only did Gwen help unwrap this box, but she also turned it into a race car!

Gwen and Auntie A were having a blast

Gwen showed Poppy and ornament, "Isn't this pretty?"

Our 2009 Christmas picture!

We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!!

Hilarious!!!!!

If you want a laugh, check out what Gwen did today!!!!!!! Gwen always knows when Brad gets home from work and runs towards the back door to greet him. Today was like most days, but she added a new twist. First she ran into the kitchen saying "Daddy home Poowa (aka Pooka)!" and then she showed us her new trick of door riding. I know it sounds odd, but for a toddler to figure this out is pretty amazing! She held on to both door knobs and...well... just watch :-) Too funny!