a little competition

As it turns out, Dad has a little competition for Bright-Eyed of the Year in 2009.

We had a great dinner with the Ken & Joanne Wilkinson family on Friday night.

While taking photos of the cutie-pie babies I realized that Sebastian is going to give Dad a run for his money. Considering that Sebastian is only 6 months old he has what can only be called a natural gift for "bright-eyeness."

I'll let you be the judge.

I'm sure he'll thank his parents, Brant & Kari, when he wins next December. He should be talking by then, right?

Here are also some pictures of the adorable Madelyn (she's wonderful, Kim and Bryan!)

bright-eyed of the year

Now that the Christmas rush has slowed down it's time to continue the 2008 Year End Awards.

Today's award is a very special one. It is for something that not everyone can do -- a true gift.

This award is for 2008's least blinking most bright-eyed person.

And the winner is:

Mark Cowell (with a close second in Owen Berry)

It was a close call -- he almost blew it completely.

Nice job, Dad.

If you'd like to be considered for 2009's Bright-Eyed of the Year award, please submit your photos!

Thanks to Jennifer for capturing the winning photo.

kitchen renovation of the year

I've decided to speed up the allocation of the 2008 Year End Awards. There were more catagories that I originally thought and 2008 is winding down quickly!

The award for today is "Kitchen Renovation of the Year".

As usual, there are several criteria that must be met in order to choose a winner.

The winner must have:

1) been dragged to shopped around at no less than 4 granite stores

2) wanted to give up at some point

3) endured through that trial and stuck with the renovation anyway, showing strong personal fortitude and commitment

4) personally transported 1 large piece of the renovation through 3 states

5) gone through several sinks before finding the perfect one

6) experienced the heartache of a cracked countertop, which made the final success that much more sweet

After much consideration and research, there was only 1 clear winner...

The kitchen renovation on Hampton Ridge Rd done by Michele Cowell!

Congratulations, Michele (Mom)

Surprisingly, the prize is consistent with the other prizes so far:

Enjoy your 5 day Christmas vacation in Cleveland! You need to leave by Monday, so hopefully you check this blog frequently.

Look at the beautiful results of her hard work:

driver of the year

As we begun last week, I will now continue the 2008 Year End Awards. This week we award Driver of the Year. As with Couple of the Year, there are several criteria that must be met in order to be eligible for the big prize.

The winner must:

1) Drive a go-cart without fear or regard for safety

2) Not yet have a driver's license

3) Have a parent who also drives a race car

4) Be "sugar-free"

5) Have a race track in his front yard

After careful consideration the winner is...

Owen Berry!

Congratulations, Owen! The prize is, yet again, an all-expense paid (by your Mom & Dad) trip to Cleveland for Christmas!! It promises to be a great time with Santa, presents, cookies, and ham.

As proof of Owen's eligibility, here are some photos of him in action.

couple of the year

As the year comes to an end it is time to make some conclusions about those people and events which have impacted us the most. I have decided to start with my "Couple of the Year." To win this prestigious award, these people, as a couple, must meet the following criteria:

1) Have made at least 1 trip to Cleveland

2) Gave me a reason to buy a new dress and Drew a reason to wear a suit

3) Provided Drew and I with 1 month worth of apples

4) Traveled abroad

5) Attended 4+ weddings, including their own

6) Have a nephew named Owen

After scouring the record books (this blog) and narrowing down the eligible winners to 50, I drew a name from a hat and the big winners are...

Erin & Ryan!!

I'm so happy for them. The big award is a 5 day Christmas vacation in Cleveland. You only need to provide a bed, bedding, towels, and food. It should be great!

Here's a little photo montage of the winners. My favorite couple of the year.

We love you!!