It was a busy Holiday season for us. We spent Thanksgiving in Minnesota with the Kruegers where Paige had lots of fun playing with her cousins Sierra and Tora.  We also went to the Mall of America one day and took Paige on a carousel ride (she loves carousels).It was a good trip for us and we’re thankful to spend time with family, relax and of course, eat lots of food. 

For Christmas we had the Howards out to Virginia including Matt’s brother and his family from California.  Everyone from out of town was welcomed by nearly two feet of snow which arrived the weekend before Christmas in the Blizzard of 2009.  After we literally dug ourselves out, we enjoyed hanging out, playing cards (a Howard tradition), and of course - eating.  We were able to celebrate Grandpa Howard’s 75th birthday with a big lunch out on Christmas eve.  On Christmas morning, Paige really cleaned up on the Christmas gifts - go figure.  Matt got a true taste of fatherhood the night before Christmas as he put together a mini-kitchen for Paige.  It took three hours and tested the bound of his patience (not difficult to do).  In the end, it was worth it - Paige loves the kitchen. 

Unfortunately, New Year’s Eve was not so grand or exciting as Matt was sick.  So we enjoyed a quiet, home cooked meal and watched the ball drop on Times Square on TV (we’ve gone from being in Times square on New Year’s, to barely being able to stay awake and watch it on TV.......).   Nevertheless, it was good to have a little quiet as Melissa and Paige headed out New Year’s Day for Minnesota to visit Grandma and Grandpa Krueger.  They had a great time back in Minnesota (despite single digit temps) where one of the highlights was Paige helping Grandma bake cookies.

If the Holiday season reminds us of anything, it’s the joy of spending time with family and watching Paige grow up and enjoy Holiday traditions with us.  We look forward to an amazing 2010, and judging by 2009, a busy 2010.  Happy New Year!