Happy New Year!

Time to Party!!!!

Bring on the finger foods & fireworks!

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Kate loves her PawPaw

Do these kids look "up-to-no-good" or what?!?

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Gabe was pretty excited about the idea of fireworks, but then got really nervous once the sparks began to fly. Kate loved everything about it!

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We had intended on letting the kids stay up until midnight, but by about 11pm Gabe was actually asking to go to bed. We put him to bed but then Jon really wanted to get him back up for the final countdown. This is Gabe just minutes before 2010!

Kate lasted a bit longer, but fell asleep at about 11:45...she tried so hard to hold on! Having brought Gabe back out of his crib, I thought this picture was so cute! This was taken at about 11:58pm.

At 11:59, still very sleepy, Kate woke up ready to party and toast in the new year!

Happy 2010!!!!

Happy New Year Grandma & Pawpaw!

Kate wanted so much to wake up her brother, but he was very deep in sleep!

But, she did give him a new Years KISS!

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Outdoor Fun

We have had such BEAUTIFUL weather lately so the kids and I have tried to spend some extra time outdoors to take advantage while we can!

Kate gave me lots of great smiles, Gabe wanted to show you all how tough he can be!

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Daddy came home right as Gabe was waking from his nap. I told the kids that they had to put on shoes to meet him outside so Gabe put on McQueen slippers and Kate put on Jon's work boots....I guess they sort of followed directions! :)

We love leaves - especially getting to throw them on mommy!

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Gabe is getting better and better on his Strider! He LOVES it!!!

He does usually wear shoes & a helmet!

And last but not least, our furry feline Dash!

I just thought I would introduce you to one of our pets. :)

Slumber Party

Every once in a while the kids want a "slumber party." Actually, Kate wants to sleep with her brother almost every night, but he only agrees every couple of weeks! :) Tonight, however, he decided it would be fun to sleep in Kate's room.

Such sweet babies!

Family Christmas Pictures

It seems like every year the holidays get even more busy than the year before...and 2009 has been no exception! And, not finding a free time for all of us to have pictures taken before Christmas, we instead chose to go the week AFTER Christmas. It was actually really nice because they still had their Christmas set, but it wasn't busy at all!

So, here you go: The Dingman Family Christmas pictures for 2009!

After our more "formal" shots, the kids got into their Christmas pjs and just had FUN!

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Jumping and Spinning!

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And being super silly!

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Christmas Evening at Grammy's

As we have done for as many Christmases as I can remember, we loaded up the kids and headed to Grammy's house for Christmas dinner! Our family picture has changed over the years, we have lost some loved ones, added a few really cute kids!!!, and grown a little older, but we never stop having fun!

The 'Bare' Family

Grammy & Kate

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Dinner is done - Time to........ATTACK UNCLE LANE!!!!

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Cousins & Siblings!

Sorry I don't have a picture of you Zane!

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My crazy - new bike lovin' - baby boy!

Thanks for the yummy - and very cute - dessert Jaime!

Okay, so this isn't the best picture of Gabe or me, but Gabe actually took this picture of us so I felt that I had to post it! :)

Christmas Morning!

It's here at last....It's Christmas Morning!!!!

Waking up I was reminded of one of my favorite Christmas songs by Rich Mullins.

"I thought Christmas Day would never come
But it's here at last so mom and dad the waiting's finally done
And you gotta get up ~ you gotta get up ~ you gotta get up
It's Christmas morning

Last night I heard reindeers on my roof
Well you may think I'm exaggerating but I swear I'm tellin' you the truth
And you gotta get up ~ you gotta get up ~ you gotta get up
It's Christmas morning

Did my sister get a baby doll? Did my brother get his bike?
Did I get that red wagon the kind that makes you fly?
Oh I hope there'll be peace on earth
I know there's good will toward men
On account of that Baby born in Bethlehem

Did my sister get her baby doll? Did my brother get his bike?
Did I get that red wagon the kind that makes you fly?
Oh I hope there'll be peace on earth
I know there's good will toward men
On account of that Baby born in Bethlehem

Mom and Daddy stayed up too late last night
Oh I guess they got carried away in the Christmas candlelight
And you gotta get up ~ you gotta get up ~ you gotta get up
It's Christmas morning

And you gotta get up ~ you gotta get up ~ you gotta get up"

And so, here we are, we gotta get up, It's Christmas Morning!!!!

First things first....the Thank You note from Santa and leftovers from those sloppy eating reindeer!

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WOW! We were truly blessed this Christmas!

Kate got many gifts this year, but from Santa she received a big doll house, a bean bag, and twin Cabbage Patch babies. She was also excited about her 'matching with baby' pjs and her "Kate's World" book from Mommy & Daddy.

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Gabe asked Santa for "Big Go-Gos," and Big Go-Gos he got! Two BIG Tonka Trucks and a BIG Firetruck! Santa also brought Gabe a bike and bean bag!

Then, after thinking we had opened all the presents, we found one more box hiding in the Christmas Tree!





Kate was sooooo excited to see what was inside!

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A picture...from Santa!!!!

What could it be?!? We put on shoes and headed outside!

One look out the back door and both kids eyes got really big!

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Santa, I think gave Kate exactly what she asked for: A Surprise!!!

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We played outside for a long time and then came in to finally discover our stocking surprises!

The kids loved all their little goodies, but Kate's favorite...This Coke!
She always asks us for a sip of our Coke and we almost always say NO.
But, I guess Santa decided that Christmas deserved a special treat!

Christmas morning almost over, it was time to relax and enjoy all the new toys!

Everyone had fun with Gabe's new "over-the-door" Match Box ramp!

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