Christmas 2009

We had such a wonderful Christmas. We kept very busy as you can see below. The Christmas Season was full of excitement, fun and a little of the unexpected. We are glad the month of December is finally over (at least Mommy is). Welcome 2010!

Oh, how we have grown!

Ceci helped bake cookies. With her oven mitt on, she is ready to go!

Mommy thought it would be a good idea to let Ceci roll her own dough. Ceci thought it was more fun to eat it (it was a cream cheese dough so it was safe).

She practiced her rolling technique.

Ceci did some coloring.

At the school Holiday/PJ Party, she showed Mommy and Daddy some of her favorite games.

She loves to play in the kitchen.

Apparently, texting is part of her daily routine.

Daddy and Frannie enjoying the party.

We had brunch with Santa. Cecilia is checking out the big guy.

This was as close as she would get.

Family photo after brunch.

Mommy and Ceci taking a break from making more cookies.

We made Grandma Wilson's sugar cookies.

Mommy and Daddy decorated the cookies even though it looks like Ceci did!

Frannie and Cecilia on Christmas Eve. This was the best shot Mommy could get.

Our tree before Santa's arrival.

...and after.

Cecilia opening her gifts.

Trying to figure out what she is supposed to do with her stocking.

Her favorite gift of the day...a water bottle.

Frannie receiving her First Christmas gift from Daddy.

She was really excited.

We wanted to get Ceci's Christmas morning reaction on video. We thought she would love the gifts Santa brought. The Ceci-size Baxter the Bunny was her big gift. Baxter in small size rarely leaves her side. As you will see, her reaction was not exactly what we thought it would be. She is coming around though.

Our newest addition!

Frances Ruth Dodd

November 18, 2009

8:27 A.M.

8 lbs 13 oz

20 1/4 inches

Our second beautiful baby girl!

Daddy and Frannie

Mama and Frannie - so excited to meet her!

She is a very sweet baby!

Big sis, Ceci, didn't pay attention to Frannie at first

but now she is always watching over her little sister.

Checking things out...looks good!

Cecilia received a Big Sis gift from Frannie. She loves to read so Frannie

gave her some new books. Little Miss Chatterbox is very appropriate for Ceci!

Pumpkin Patch

Last weekend, we went to the pumpkin patch for some fall fun! We picked out pumpkins, squash and gourds. It was such a fun afternoon. We stayed for over two hours because Cecilia was having such a wonderful time!

Daddy and Cecilia ready to pick some pumpkins!

That is one big pumpkin!

Pumpkins everywhere! Which way first?

Boo!

Ceci enjoys walking around like a big girl.

Cecilia was fascinated by the farm animals.

She couldn't take her eyes off the donkey!

Still looking at the donkey...

Mesmerized...Daddy is very proud of her fondness for the donkey.

Watcha lookin' at now?

Turkeys!

Feeding the goats.

Right before the goat put Ceci's hand in it's mouth - ick! She didn't mind at all!

She thought it was hilarious!

Walking and Talking

Cecilia started her first day in the big kid room at school. She was very excited to tell me all about it!

A Summer Evening at the Governor's Residence

We were fortunate enough to be invited to spend an evening with the Governor and First Lady, Ted and Frances Strickland. They are such a lovely couple and their home is beautiful!

The Governor's Residence.

Cecilia pointing at the house. I think she was trying to tell Daddy that she wants to live there someday!

Cecilia was interested by the pumpkin patch in the front yard.

Posing for a picture at the pond.

Family photo.

Daddy and Cecilia posing in front of the back of the residence. So beautiful!

Enough posing and ready to walk!

Such a big girl!

Enjoying the band and a dance with Daddy.

She couldn't get enough!

The life of the party!

Taking a break to pose with the Governor.

A sampling of the artwork.

The Counties of the 91st House District:

Not part of the 91st but had to through it in...