The Rejects

So, it's time for the annual holiday photo...yay! Here are some of the better rejects that just didn't make the cut this year!

Her head is getting ready to spin around about now!

(click on the pic to get the full effect of this look of disgust!)

She and Walter try and escape the Mommy picture madness!

Her second attempt involved fleeing via the stairs, it was also unsuccessful!

Who needs those stinky boys in the picture anyway?!

Playing by the light of the tree

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

Before...

(she did have some snow on her, so we took precautions through the night!)

Sophia carefully choosing her next ornament of choice

Dancing to some Christmas tunes

After!!!!

the ol' girl in all her glory!

a view of our festive house from the sidewalk

So finally...we have a tree! Yay for Christmas! There was some minor drama in actually purchasing a tree, getting it home and up, but all that is behind us and our house is now piney- fresh! This may or may not come as a shock to you, but when it comes to Christmas trees, I love a tree with absolutely NO theme. I know, so out of character, but truly I love a tree that is loud, colorful and eclectic. We have a ton of lights, both colored and white, a big gold star, tons of balls and various other ornaments we've collected through our few years together.

This is also the first year that we've put up outside lights (even though they've been sitting in our basement for 3 years, but that is neither here nor there at this point) and I think Charlie did a good job. We learned a little about lights and have a new game plan for next year, but so far so good, and soooo festive! :)

Breakfast with Santa

Is this a classic first time Santa photo or what?!

Is Santa even in this picture? Oh, wait...there he is!

Grandma Sue isn't scary like Santa!

All smiles with the toys

Sophia happily chatting with the finches in the lobby

Grandma B's nursing home sponsored a Santa Breakfast this weekend. Sophia, who is usually cheerful and friendly (sometimes overly) to strangers was having no part in this Santa Claus stuff. Her cousins did happily oblige though, so at least some of the pictures turned out cute! The picture of her with the Jolly Old Elf really just breaks my heart. I've heard of some parents who think it's cute and whatever, but truly it did kind just make me sad. We do have another Santa Breakfast scheduled in a couple weeks at the Knights Hall, so we'll see if we fare any better then!

I must say again how in awe I am of my child at this stage in the game. I forget that they truly are such sponges! I mentioned in the Family Outings post that Sophia saw and was fascinated by some eagles in Minnesota. When she saw the finches she was again thrilled as she giggled, pointed and bounced at their very sight. She continued to point at them and say "eagle, eagle". Although I tried to explain species and class to her, I think it was a little over her head. But hey, at least she's making connections! ;)

Happy Little Reader

Papa Leo and those wacky dogs!

Aunt Cathy reads as Sophia points out pictures

Aunt Pam is happy to oblige too!

Sophia is a definitely one happy little reader from morning until night. The first thing she does after waking up in the morning, literally, is to grab the closest book and force it upon you. I'm not sure if this is a blessing or a curse! ;) Actually, it is wonderful to see her so excited by reading and learning new words. She is consistently adding new words to her vocabulary and I just giggle every time I hear a new one come out of her mouth! She also responds accurately when asked about the sounds of a dog, a cow, a duck, and sometimes cat (she used to be really good about that one, but maybe she hasn't been around Grandma Sue's cat enough recently!)

In the video Sophia is reading Go Dog, Go to herself. It's been hard to capture her "reading" on video but it is maybe the cutest thing ever! This video isn't quite a perfect sampling, but it's still pretty darn cute. My favorite part is when she scratches the page...that's the part I always use my finger to imitate the climbing of the dogs on the ladder--she does it twice, both times on the same page. Notice how she reads and points just like a pro!

The Heart Attack Method

Although the video is a little dark, you should be able to get this gist of her now preferred way of moving down a flight of stairs. She has yet to injure herself, but I swear it makes a mother a little (okay maybe a lot) nervous!!!

Stripey Little Elf

Well, seriously this outfit could not be passed up. I mean really. It is a full body sweater, with a hood...LOVE IT! I only hope that one day Sophia has similar clothing taste to me (although I'm sure my brother is cringing at the thought) because otherwise she is going to look back at some of these pictures and be mortified. She really did just look like a happy little elf toddling around the house, just too cute.

In this video you'll see Sophia happily playing with her puzzle and then singing and dancing along as the music starts.

Family Outings

Our first stop was Oxbow Park, a nature park that is home to many of Minnesota's native animals. We saw mountain lion, a lynx, bison, elk, deer, eagles, and various other snakes and birds. It is November in Minnesota so everyone was bundled up!

Sophia was content for a little while in the stroller but soon took to gazing by foot!

Little Red Nose!

Sophia and Aunt Ellyn looking at the bald eagles. Sophia even said eagle a few times. She also told AE that there were big birds in the cages by saying 'big bird' and pointing a few times. Wow, I didn't know she knew all that!

Brenden getting a lift from his mom, Louise!

We were all fascinated by the cougar who was getting fed as we arrived. It was pretty neat to watch it eat such big hunks of meat, but also a little gross.

After Oxbow and a lunch of yummy leftovers we headed to the bowling alley. We divided into three teams according to birthdays. My team won by a landslide, naturally!! ;)

No, Sophia the crane move is only for Karate, not bowling.

So many colors to choose from!

Ellyn and Owen relaxing

Louise asked for a print out of the scores so she could tally the totals herself! To her disappointment though, her team still lost!