Christmas Eve Morning

Christmas Eve morning we had a little celebration with Sofia's friends Peter and Jake. The kids got to open their presents from each other while the Mums and Dads sipped on mimosas. It was a lovely way to spend the morning, but Sofia was pretty much interested in doing anything else other than opening her presents.

Sofia and Peter (aka Superman) share a dinosaur cookie.

Sofia and Rusty hanging out together on the back porch.

At least someone was interested in opening presents.

Jake not so much, but doesn't he look handsome.

And a book for Bubba.  Sofia tucked him in with a blanket and read him a story and this apparently was much more entertaining than opening presents.

Light Walk

Tonight we took the kids out to look at the Christmas lights. We found a couple of great blocks of decorated houses. And as usual, Sofia and Jake just were too cute for words.

Baby Jeeves

So we know that Jeeves likes Sofia's Christmas present although he wasn't too happy when I rocked it. I noticed he didn't get out though. He had better watch out.....Sofia might like to tuck him up just like her baby dolls.

Thanks Wilsons!! She's gonna love it.

The Polar Express

Today we rode The Polar Express to the North Pole. Sofia has watched the movie, read the book and knows all the characters and songs and we had a fabulous time on our very own magical train ride.

The girlie with her golden ticket (oh wait, wrong movie).

One beautifully decorated train.

Our awesome coach staff.  The entire train is run by volunteers and they really did a wonderful job of bringing "The Polar Express" to life for the kids.

And what would a trip to the North Pole be without Geema and Papa along for the ride.

In our seats, ready to go.

Our trip to the North Pole took us via the Sacramento River (who knew that was how you got there) and we travelled it at a perfect time with a glorious sunset.

Finally, the North Pole.  Santa was there checking his list.

Sofia waved and waved and waved and then proclaimed "Santa waved at me".  In her eyes, Santa had been waving directly to her. 

A moment of reflection before heading back home.

And Sofia's very favourite character in the movie is the ghost on the top of the train.  She calls him the Hurdy Gurdy man and she loved seeing him on the train.  In fact, as Santa was coming down the train, Sofia kept saying "Where's the Hurdy Gurdy man?"  And after the train ride she says "He's so cute".  Guess there is no accounting for some peoples taste, huh?

Waiting and watching for Santa to appear. Sofia was a bit aprehensive about just how close she wanted Santa to get.

The man himself.

Santa gave Sofia her very own bell and she heard it loud and clear. She is a true believer.

Sofia's bell put safe and sound in her pocket. No holes, we checked.

One last photo op with her very favourite Hurdy Gurdy man.

As Good as it Gets!!

So this was our attempt at getting a family photo, all together, while dressed in something other than pajamas or an "I'm being a complete slob around the house" kind of ensemble. We attended Clyde's "Singing Christmas Tree" concert on Saturday (hence the tuxedo) and tried to take a picture during intermission.

Well, Miss Sofia was having none of it. She wasn't bad. She was just in a super giggly, massively fidgety, I'm not going to sit still for one minute, and I most certainly am not going to make it easy for you to take my photo kind of mood. I am bound and detemined that I will get a decent picture of her in her holiday outfit before the festive season is over.

Fall

These pictures need no explanation. Just a girl, a clear crisp fall day and more leaves than anyone would know what to do with.

You Still Chewing?

We try really hard to eat dinner together at the dining table every night. It is not always possible but we do our best. Sofia is, for the most part, a delightful dining companion. She is so willing to try almost anything. If she doesn't like it, she will say "I no like it" and then move onto the next item.

And every night, we light a candle in the middle of the table. It is Sofia's job, once everyone is done with dinner, to blow out the candle. This is how the conversation goes every night.

I all done!
Mummy, you finished?
No Sofia, I'm still eating.
Daddy, you finished?
No Sofia, I'm still eating.
Mummy, you still chewing?
Yes Sofia.
Oh!
Daddy, you all done?

This little dialogue continues until we have all finished our dinner at which point we tell Sofia that it is okay for her to blow out the candle. She is practicing for her birthday after all. Anyway, she moves everything out of the way, tucks her hair behind her ears, stands up and counts to something (this part is always a bit of a mystery). Sometimes she counts to three, or four, or five or six. I'm not quite sure what the reasoning is but she counts and then blows her candle out.

Cookies

Today, amongst other things, Sofia and I decided to bake some Afghans. So we set to, put our pinny's on and started to cook. Unfortunately, Miss S wasn't wearing any trousers but to be perfectly honest, if my tooshie looked as cute as this, I might cook more often in just my knickers. Okay, maybe not. At least she was colour co-ordinated.

Butter in.....there's my girl. Just like her Mum with a real weakness for the stuff. She refused to wash her hands after this rubbing the butter into her hands like lotion.

And of course, the best part. When she was done licking the spatula she said "I want some more chippies". I told her they were not chippies but Cornflakes to which she responded "I want some more snowflakes". There's the festive spirit.