Another year over... and a NEW one just begun

As we change our calendars from 2008 to 2009 I'd like to take this time to reflect on an amazing year for our family. We added the youngest addition to our crew, Landon. He instantly warmed our hearts with those baby blues and red locks! Shawn continued on into toddlerhood and is now not only expressing his needs more clearly, but his wants as well. Life has brought us two beautiful blessings and we not only appreciate, but enjoy every single second with them.

Our family has been truly blessed this past year of Twenty O' Eight. We have been surrounded by spectacular family and friends (both near and far) that have enriched our spirits and our lives. There are no words to thank or to express enough gratitude to the people we hold near and dear in our hearts. From amazing family to outstanding friendships... our deepest and most heartfelt Thank You for simply being you and challenging us to grow everyday.

From our family to yours... may God bless you, and may your lives be surrounded with love and laughter in 2009.

The Rawlings Family New Years Eve:

Our little ham: Shawn

Daddy & Landon

The Rawlings/Williams Family New Years Eve get-together

My beautiful "niece"

Photo Shoot of Delilah

Landon & Delilah: L-O-V-E

"Why are our Mama's torturing us, AGAIN!?"

A warm embrace

Shawn giving kisses to Delilah

Auntie Lizzy and my handsome boy

Happy 2009!!!

12/29/08

GRANDPARENTS.

Few can bring the warmth
We can find in their embrace,
And little more is needed to bring love.
Than the smile on their face.

They've a supply of precious stories,
Yet they've time to wipe a tear,
Or give us reasons to make us laugh,
They grow more precious through the years.

I believe that God sent us Grandparents
As our legacy from above,
To share the moments of our life,
As extra measures of His love.

~Author Unknown.~~

Gunkle Coodee & Aunt Inda

If I am certain of one thing it is this... Aunts and Uncles were put on this earth for a reason. That reason being to bring yet even more smiles to their little nephews (and nieces when the case may be.)

Jon's brother, Cody, and future sister in law, Lynda, came for a Christmas visit today. Shawn was eager to see his "Gunkle Coodee" and "Aunt Inda" as he had many new toys and gadgets to show off.

We all had a wonderful day together (unfortunately Jon's day with them was cut short due to having to work at 1pm.) The boys enjoyed every second with their admiring family members. As did I enjoy every second of watching them be silly together ;)

Becoming quite the expert at this here bottle feeding task.

"More pie Gunkle Coodee, Please!"

Tons of smooches!

"Dribble spitting" his way into their hearts.

Landon sharing some of his most prized possession... slobber!

Snuggles :)

Gunkle Coodee getting his butt whooped in Candy Land.

Aunt "Inda" makes the best puppy faces ;)

Drawing a seahorse for Shawn

Practice for later... ;)

Lil hoodies

Aunt Lynda getting Landon ready for a bath.

And Uncle Cody with the finished product... a clean baby!

Aunt Lynda looks like she's having a bit of trouble!

Bed time routines

Goodnight Moon: as told by Gunkle Coodee

Good nights and Sweet Dreams!