Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

I thought I would post our family Christmas letter..for those of you who didn't get a paper copy, here it is! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Merry Christmas, and Happy 2009 New Year

The O__ family has had a wonderful 2008 year, and we have stayed as busy as ever!

Last December we were able to give the gift of the news of expecting a new little one. We were excited, and joyous to welcome Lainey Ryann into our family on July 22. She was 7lbs. 1oz and 20 inches long. She is our little ladybug, and we are having a blast getting to know her. She is proving to have quite the happy personality. She loves to talk, coo and giggle. She is getting good at grabbing for things, and absolutely LOVES the company of her big brother! I am just waiting for the day to hear…”Mom, she is looking at me!!” as I am sure it is too soon to come.

Dawson is a wonderful big brother, he is a great helper, and enjoys playing with and talking to his little sister. Our little man is very protective of Lainey, and makes sure none of the other kids touch her at daycare (Nana’s). He is also the first to inform me if she is crying, hungry or tired. What a great little guy! Although there are times he tests his limits with mom and dad and pokes at her a little too much. To be expected though, and just wants to make sure he can still get our attention…I think.

We traveled as a family to Maryland and Virginia this year over Easter. It was wonderful to see family, and get to introduce Chris & Dawson for the first time to a majority of them. We had a great time and enjoyed site seeing in DC with the great tour guides of Aunt Roni and Uncle Andy. It had been ages since we had been there. Dawson’s favorite part of the trip…the playground, and the water. I guess that is what a 2 year old little boy looks forward to!

Yes, Dawson turned 2 in April! Where has the time gone, and who said he could grow up so quickly? He continues to amaze us, and make us laugh each and every day with his witty stories, and great imagination. I still don’t know how he thinks up some of these things, but he truly takes after his daddy. Most of his stories have to do with hunting, monster trucks, tractors, and fishing. He is ALL BOY!

Chris took a month’s paternity leave when Lainey was born this summer. It was great to have him home with us. We were able to do so much more as a family than we probably would have with him working each day. The extra set of hands was also a help! Chris and Dawson spent quite a bit of time outside, and working on rebuilding a Jeep (quite the process!) ((of course Dawson would work on his ride in Jeep too…just like daddy!)) We also went to Animal Land (petting zoo) took an extended trip to the cities for a wedding Chris was in, enjoyed the county fair, a visit to the headwaters and the little town of Dorset, as well as visits from friends and family, and multiple trips to the playground. Needless to say, his time off went much too quickly!

In the early Fall, we took a mini trip to Duluth. Spent the night at a lovely water park, and then went to Gooseberry waterfalls, and the aquarium. It was a nice get away, and so pretty. Unfortunately we didn’t get to see any vibrant colors as hoped, but we still had a nice time.

We are still very busy with our same jobs, and always anxious to get home in the evenings to see our kiddoes.

In outdoor life, Chris hunted bear again this year, but unfortunately no success. However this proved to be quite the timely process! As a family we enjoyed many hours on area lakes fishing (mostly before Lainey was born) Dawson is proving to be quite the fisherman. He was the only one to catch a walleye one of the times. That's our boy!!

We are looking forward a busy Christmas season again this year. Staying close to home, but sharing time with family. I am excited to decorate our newly finished basement with the Christmas tree this year. Will be nice to have a little more room to enjoy.

That was the life of the O__’s in a nutshell for the year of 2008. We are thankful for our blessings this past year, and are anxiously awaiting the fun to come in 2009. God is good!