Busy Holiday Season!

The MacDonalds had a very busy holiday season. We enjoyed four Christmas celebrations with our family members. Gwynn was very spoiled she received many wonderful and thoughtful gifts..to name a few a kitchen set, a bike, tickle me Elmo (a new favorite of Gwynn's), a year long pass to the Zoo (we used for the first time this weekend), and many books, baby dolls, toys and clothes. Gwynn received a little bit of everything she could ever want or need.

It defiantly was interesting traveling with a toddler. Gwynn let it be known her favorite place is home. Gwynn had a very hard time eating, sleeping or just plain behaving. I felt very badly she seemed frazzled, extremely overwhelmed and over stimulated. She seemed pissed off that we were making her travel and not letting her sleep in her own bed or eat her normal meals. We actually cut our trip a little short due to this. We had been gone for about six days and decided it was in our whole family's best interest to go home and spend some good quality time together. Prior to our decision we had spent two days with Charlie's mom and step father, two days with my family and the rest of the time out at the MacDonald ranch (Charlie's Dad & Gail's Home). It turned out to be a very good choice to return home. Gwynn immediately went back to her old self and was eating her regular meals, sleeping very well and taking her scheduled nap. She also was so happy running around the house laughing as if to say... yea!!! were home! I was honestly worried while we were away that she had hit the terrible twos early but as soon as we returned home our little angle was back. It made it very clear to Charlie and I for the first time since having Gwynn that our lives are drastically changeing especially with one on the way.

While at home we had a great time. We found a new hiking trail in Estacada and went to the Zoo. We also finished up a bunch of chores around the house Charlie put in a new door in our kitchen, finished up some painting and many other chores that had been neglected. We cooked together as a family, watched movies, read lots of books and relaxed.

All in all we had such a wonderful holiday season. We truly are blessed to have so many people who care and love our family. It was so nice to catch up with all the family whom we get to see so seldom and the ones we do see frequently. We love you all and wish you the best in the year to come!