Snow, Snow, Snow

Even though it snowed a ton today, that didn't keep us down. Sophia and I stared off our second mommy and me day together with pancakes. Sophia loved the pancakes so much that they literally ended up everywhere. I found them in her ear and on her eye. After a mini bath from breakfast, we got cleaned up and played lots of toys. Then we colored some pictures for a while.

Papa and Nana came and picked us up at the auto care station while I dropped my car for an oil change. We then headed out to Mall of America. We did some shopping and I found some great deals at Gymboree for clothes for next year. I can't wait until Sophia can wear them!

When we left the mall it was snowing pretty hard. We went back to my parents house and Sophia had some lunch. I got ready and went to the gym. My run went excellent today! While I was running, Sophia was supposed to be sleeping. When I called to check in, apparently Nana had no such luck. Sophia had been playing in her crib for over an hour. This is a new phase for us. She has been doing quite a bit of this lately at night after I put her down. As long as she is safe and entertained I'm not worried.

I went and picked up a movie for the night and then went back to my parents house to get Sophia. We went and picked up some dinner and headed home. After Sophia had her dinner of broccoli, broccoli, and more broccoli we had a dance party together. Then it was time for jammies, milk, and a book. Hal arrived home just in the nick of time to read with us.

After Sophia went to bed, I ate dinner and watched my movie. I'm about to head up for bed as we have a big day ahead of us tomorrow. I'm going to get up and go to the gym. Tomorrow night is New Years Eve and I can barely wait to celebrate!! I'm sure we will have plenty of pictures to post from the adults party and Sophia's party with Papa and Nana.

I love my mommy days!

This morning I had to wake Sophia up a bit earlier than normal to get ready for breakfast. We met one of my college roommates and her daughter Callan for breakfast. The girls had a great time! Alyssa and I had a chance to catch up and she even shared that she is expecting again. Congratulations Alyssa and Curtis! Callan wants a baby sister. I asked her what would happen if mommy had a boy, and she said, "NO BOYS!" It was pretty funny. Here is a cute pic of Sophia with Callan this morning.

Sophia and Callan sitting together like big girls

After finishing our breakfast, Sophia and I headed over to Target. She loves to look up and down the aisles. She was also very excited as we picked out some new music cds for her to listen to on her new cd player she got for Christmas. I think she fell in love with me all over again after I handed her the cds. The look on her face was just priceless.

We left Target and ventured over to Rosedale Mall. Again, loving the mommy as I let her run free in the mall. Don't worry I was right by her side, but she didn't have to hold my hand which really made her feel like a big girl. Along with sitting on the big girl potty too. No luck on the potty though. She got a bit nervous when we dried our hands with the hand dryer. It was pretty noisy.

Then we came home and had some lunch. We finished the muffin we got from breakfast and Sophia had soup and corn. She can't get enough of the corn. I swear we feed it to her for lunch and dinner daily and she never gets tired of it!

Tonight Hal's parents are coming to dinner and we're going to grill. I'm excited for chicken on the grill. Tomorrow Sophia and I are going shopping with my mom. Then in the evening we are going out for dinner with Adi and Andrea. Here's a quick video of her practicing her grocery shopping skills. She's a natural.

Lunch with my family

Today Sophia had lunch with some of her family: grandma Jayne, auntie Sarah, and cousin Abby. She had a wonderful time at Chilis looking at all of the people and not eating her lunch. Some days she eats and others she doesn't. Here are a couple of cute pictures from today!

Abby reaching for Sophia

Abby and Sophia holding hands

How much plastic can a little girl get?

Last night we celebrated our third round of Christmas with my parents. We had a wonderful dinner and enjoyed watching their brand new HD tvs. My mom just can't get enough of hers! After we chatted for a bit and had dinner, we all opened presents. Sophia scored a couple more plastic items.

To add to her list she now owns.....
-a talking vacuum
-her very own table and chairs
-a shopping cart
-a drum with musical instruments inside of it
-a Little People school bus
-several more books
-a leopard print purse

-some clothes and jammies

We also got our very own table and chairs. They even match our new sofa. I just love them!

Today we have been a bit relaxed. It has been nice to not have any plans. We went to Gymboree and Shane Company this afternoon. Then we came home and had some lunch. After that we played toys for a bit and then Sophia went down for a nap.
I'm proud to say that today I ran 4 9 min miles. I'm doing better on my time and now am going to up my distance. I can't believe that in just five months I will be running my very first half-marathon!

Tonight we're going to go and look at some Christmas lights and then get a pizza. We got the movie Prince Caspian earlier today and I'm looking forward to watching it.

Tomorrow we're going to church and then getting together with Auntie Sarah, cousin Abby, and Grandma Jayne. I'm sure we will stop over at Nana and Papa's too.

Christmas Rounds 1 and 2....3 to come

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve was celebrated with my dad's side of the family in Lino Lakes. My cousin and her family just moved into a brand new house which is creepily similar to ours. It gets creepy down to the fact that they have the exact same granite in their kitchen as we do. Their house was a model so they didn't pick it out either. We thought it was quite funny!

Sophia had a great time playing with all of the kids Will, Eliazbeth, Thomas, and Matthew. She also enjoyed playing with Tam's cats. By the end of the evening, Chole the one cat didn't like her very much and actually nipped at Sophia. She was being quite gentle with the cats, but apparently not gentle enough.


Sophia got a book, crayons, and a drawing pad from my aunt and uncle which she just loved.

Sophia reading her new book with Papa.

Throughout the night, all of the adults ate great food and drank lots of yummy drinks. Later in the evening, we started the dice game. The kids had a huge pile of presents and several of the adults commented on the fact that they should join the kids game instead. Before playing the game Sophia tried on Liz's reindeer antlers and proceeded to dance around the house with them on.



Sophia hanging with the boys

We played the dice game and came home with lots of good loot! After the drive home, Sophia was exhausted and ready for bed. Luckily we picked cookies out for Santa before we left. Check out how excited she was to pick them out.

It was off to bed for Sophia and we put the finishing touches on everything including presents in the stockings and eating bites out of the cookies along with having a sip of milk before bed.

Christmas Day we all slept in. It was wonderful! Sophia wanted despartely to see if Santa ate the cookies the minute she woke up. She didn't really care about the presents, but was super excited when she saw that Santa ate the cookies and drank the milk. We all had a bit of breakfast and watched the Walt Disney Christmas Day Parade. This has been a family tradition of mine since before I can remember. I used to watch the parade with my grandfather when he was still alive. I looked forward to it and I was so excited when Sophia enjoyed it too. She really loves her Mickey and Minnie!

Sophia checking to see the cookies eaten by Santa.

We spent the morning relaxing and gradually opening presents. Then Hal's family arrived in the afternoon. The rest of the afternoon was spent hanging with the family, eating, and drinking. We played games after the girls went to bed too. It was lots of fun. We took so many pictures that I had to pick just a few to post.

Abby and Sophia under the tree

Sophia with Grandma Jayne

Abby hanging an ornament on the tree

Grandma Jayne with the girls

Sophia playing in her new kitchen

Grandpa Hal with a Christmas bow on his head

Sarah and Abby

Uncle Nate letting Sophia ride on his shoulders

When we all finished opening presents it was time to eat our treat and then everyone headed home. We had a wonderful Christmas Day!! We couldn't be more blessed to have a loving family and have everyone safe and healthy all together.

Today we didn't do much. We played lots of new toys and unwrapped a couple more presents. While Sophia naps we are going to get ready here and head out for our third Christmas at my parents house. I'm sure I will have many more picture to post again tomorrow.

Merry Christmas!

Play Date With Ella

Today we had a play date with our friends Ella and Christy. I used to work with Christy at Tesseract. Ella turned one over the weekend so we were thrilled to have a play date today and wish her a happy birthday in person.

We went to an awesome place called Little Kids Big City. It was like a mini Children's Museum only with not so many people and not so big. Sophia absolutely loved it! I can't begin to explain how much fun we had today.

Ella enjoyed looking at all of the kids and exploring too. Sophia's favorite part was the big red firetruck. After playing until we couldn't play anymore, Sophia gave Ella her present. Ella seemed to really enjoy her new birthday cake puzzle. We shared with them that Sophia has a puppy puzzle just like it that she loves.

After playing hard, we went to my parents where Sophia continued to play and I went running at the Y. When I finished, I went to pick her up and we came home for her big girl nap. She was not thrilled to go to sleep, but really needed it.

Hal went to the Gopher game tonight. Sophia and I ran errands and finished wrapping all of the presents. I can't wait for Christmas!

Tomorrow we have a date at home together as we don't have a morning activity for the first time this week. In the evening, we will head to Lino Lakes to spend Christmas Eve with my dad's side of the family. I can't wait to eat appetizers and drink.

Weekend Recap

We had a busy weekend so there will be lots to share in this post tonight! Yesterday, Minnesota had a huge snow storm. Of course, it would come on the same day as our first party. We had planned a Christmas party a few months ago to invite family and friends over to see the new house and be together. So we got tons of food and drinks and cleaned and got ready the whole day. Lucky for us our friends and family are true Minnesotans. A little snow didn't stop them. Several of our friends/family weren't able to come as they were traveling far distances and the weather was bad.

We had tons of great food, drinks, and people. Sophia was quite busy all day yesterday. She had several m&ms which is now her new favorite food! She showed off and even got to open her first present. My grandma's sister Lillian gave her this adorable giraffe puzzle. It has several colored pieces and on one side are letters and the other side numbers. We played quite a bit with it last night, but she was much more focused on all of the guests and the food!

Here are a couple of pictures from last night:

Sophia giving my Aunt Claudia her Christmas present.


Sophia opening the giraffe puzzle from Lillian


Sophia, Aunt Bonnie, and Uncle Jack


My best friend Becca and my friend Michelle (all three girls together!)


Hal, his mom Jayne, and one of his sisters Sarah

We had a wonderful time at the party and appreciated everyone who came!

Today we got up and cuddled in bed together. After hanging out in bed, we got up and Sophia ate her breakfast. We played lots of toys and read tons of books. Hal cleaned the big tub. Then we decided after lunch and Hal attempting to shovel we were going to go and get a snow blower. The snow was much too heavy and we wanted to walk at the mall anyways. So we were off to the mall!

We had a great time walking around and window shopping. We didn't find much as we are saving money for Christmas and have our shopping done. Then Hal went to Sears and got the snow blower. After getting it into the car, we couldn't fit the stroller in too, so Hal left us to shop.

Sophia and I walked around a bit more, watched the merry-go-round, and she ate something called Apple Fries that we discovered a couple of weeks ago with my parents at the mall. They are in the shape of french fries, but they're actually apples with no skin. They have them as an option with the kids meal at Burger King. Sophia just adores apples and these are the best! She was nice enough to share one with me.

Hal came back and we headed home. We got home and I put Sophia down for a quick nap. I had just enough time to take a shower and wrap my dad's present for his birthday. Then I woke Sophia up and we headed out for dinner.

We met my parents and grandma at Rudy's Red Eye Grill in White Bear Lake. We all really enjoyed our meals. Sophia even told Papa (my dad) Happy Birthday. My dad loved his present too.

Sophia with Papa at his birthday dinner


Checking out the pretty Christmas tree


Sophia and Nana (my mom)

After dinner, we came home and it was past Sophia's bed time. I told her she was a lucky girl getting to stay up past her bedtime so many nights in the next week. I'm sure she will be tired tomorrow.

We are starting our day early tomorrow. I'm heading off to the doctor, Sophia is going to my parents, and Hal has a meeting in Hutch for work. Tomorrow is my dad's birthday. Hal and I get a night out tomorrow night as my parents are taking care of Sophia. We are going to Kincaids for dinner with his parents. I am super lucky to have two nights of great dinners! Kincaids is my all time favorite restaurant!!

Hooray it's Friday!

I have been waiting for this day now for several weeks! This morning we woke up to lots of snow. Sophia decided she wanted to wear her boots and was thrilled when I gave her the ok.

Today has been a busy day at school. We wrapped up quite a few projects and had a winter party. The kids brought in lots of food. We also had a potluck at lunch for teachers. My favorite!! I had lots of yummy food.

I'm leaving right after school to pick Sophia up today. Then we are off to the grocery store to get the rest of our party supplies. Last night we went to Sams and Trader's Joes to get most of the supplies. Now we just need a couple of little things.

I can't wait for the party tomorrow night. I'm super excited to have everyone over and hang out. It should be a great time. Until then....

Eating Crayons

Tonight when I got home from work, Sophia had a green mustache. Hal informed me that Sophia had eaten a green crayon today at Corey's. Then when Corey tried to take it away from her, Sophia ran away from Corey. So needless to say, the green mustache and hands were pretty funny.

I feel horrible as it got on the carpet too. I am hoping that it came out of the carpet as it didn't come out of her shirt. Oh well.....the life of a busy almost 19 month old.

Tomorrow night we head to Sams to get everything we need to finish our shopping for the party this weekend. I am very excited to have everyone over. Sophia seems to think that Santa is coming to our party. I keep reminding her that Santa doesn't come until next week.

Happy Wednesday!

Finally a picture with Santa

Tonight was Sophia's party at Corey's house (daycare). She had a great time running around with all of the kids and impressing all of the adults. To top off her fantastic behavior today, she even went potty twice today. We celebrated when I arrived at the party.

Corey of course had tons of food. She complete out does herself. I am always amazed at this wonderful party that she puts on. Last year we weren't quite a part of the family yet, but that was very different this year. Even our old next door neighbors Ryan and Michelle from Maplewood were there. Their son Chase (Sophia's 1st boyfriend) will be starting at Corey's after the New Year.

After dinner, Santa showed up and gives all of the kids and parents presents. Sophia got a brand new farm aniamls puzzle which she couldn't wait to open.
Here are a couple of pictures from tonight.

Corey with her girls (Sophia, Peyton C., and Peyton A.)


Sophia,Daddy,and Santa


Sophia opening her present with Santa

When we got home tonight, Sophia wanted to play with her new puzzle. So she played a bit, and then it was off to bed. She was quite worn out from all of the playing tonight.

I am excited that tomorrow is Wednesday. Half way through the week! I work at the Y tomorrow night and can't wait to run before class.

We are getting ready for the party this weekend by doing lots of little jobs. I can't wait until Friday!

Making Cookies

Tonight when we got home from Corey's house, we ate a quick family dinner and started working on our jobs. Sophia helped me make cookies to bring to her daycare Christmas party tomorrow night. She also made her own cookies using the flower cookie cutter.

Here she is patting the dough down

Making cookies

Of course we didn't put the cookies she made in to bring tomorrow night. She did however have a great time making cookies with mom. My friend Jen gave me this great idea.

After making cookies, we colored a bit and then went upstairs for a bath. I wanted Sophia clean for the party tomorrow night. I'm sure we will have lots to share tomorrow.

Happy Monday!

A true hockey fan!

This weekend we taught Sophia a new phrase and she is now saying it quite a bit. I was lucky enough to get her to say it on this short video. Check it out.

How many Santas can a girl see?

Today we got up early and got ready for breakfast with Santa. Just as we were about to leave, Sophia fell inside the house and hit her head really hard on the staircase railing. It instantly grew huge and I thought for sure that it was split open. Well, there wasn't any blood, but there were sure tons of tears and lots of purple. A big purple egg that is, right on the side of her forehead. After we got her calmed down, we went to Tartan Park to take in Santa and some yummy breakfast.

Sophia is not a huge fan of Santa up close, but from far away he is the greatest thing in the world. She just thinks it is super frightening to sit by herself on his lap. So, here's our family photo op with Santa this morning.


We left Tartan Park and went to the Target in Lake Elmo. I would much rather drive to this Target any day as they have the BEST dollar section ever! We did some shopping and looked around Target a bit before heading out.

While driving through Lake Elmo, we passed the little country market and outside of the market was a Santa in a sleigh with a real reindeer. So, we turned around and went back to see our second Santa of the day. Once again, Sophia was not thrilled about sitting in Santa's lap, so we sat together.

Sophia checking out the reindeer


Sitting in Santa's sleigh

While leaving the market, one of Santa's helpers gave both Hal and I a chestnut to try. They were roasting them over a fire by the cookies and cocoa for Santa's guests. The lady told us to just peel the burnt part away and eat the nut in the middle. Hal got to his first and he said it was disgusting. So, I left mine for the squirrels under the car.

Then we were off to Stillwater to go grocery shopping. The store was a complete zoo. Of course, we couldn't remember what we needed as we hadn't planned on doing a huge trip. We got the ingredients for our chili dinner. After checking out, we went home to have some lunch.

Sophia didn't eat much as I think she was eager to go play outside. So, we got dressed in our snow gear and headed outside to the front yard.

Stomping in the snow


Sophia and the snowman


Snow break

Sophia and I got chilly after playing for quite some time outside and it was time for her big girl nap so we came back inside. Sophia went down for her nap and Hal and I started constructing the gingerbread house.

When Sophia got up from her nap, Hal went to the paint store and we played toys for a while. Sophia had some dinner and then we decorate the gingerbread house. She really enjoyed eating the candies.

Sophia putting sprinkles on the house


Eating the candy before putting it on the house


The finished product

We played some toys and read some books and then Sophia was off to bed. Hal dished up his new chili and the recipe was right on! It was wonderful chili!! After dinner, we cleaned up the dishes and read the paper a bit.

Then I was off to the community center to run. Hal worked on taping in the living room. When I got back I wrapped some presents and updated the blog. Now I'm off to bed. Tomorrow is another busy day!

We are going to church and then off to do some shopping with Papa and Nana. I can hardly believe tomorrow is already Sunday. The weekends go by way too fast!

Almost Friday

Tonight Sophia and I were on our own as Hal was in Hutch. We had a great time having dinner together and then heading over to Trader Joes. We got some yummy new things to try and a gift for me to bring to Bunco tomorrow night.

I have been trying to teach Sophia how to say Merry Christmas. She is really good and has the merry part, but when she says Christmas it sounds like chicken. It's awfully funny. I am hoping she can get the Christmas part, by none other then Christmas.

Tomorrow night we're going to see Santa and the live reindeer at the Community Center. I am hoping Sophia likes him this time. If not tomorrow, then we have another try on Saturday when we go to Tartan Park for breakfast with Santa. Wish us luck!

Gingerbread Boy

Today was another busy day. I had to leave bright and early to get to work for morning extended. Then I had play practice and Student Council Morning Meeting. Today was also the kick-off for Tesseract Spirit Wear and Student Council Toys for Tots. Does it sound like I had a busy morning?

I was glad when the day was over. Only three more this week! When I went to pick Sophia up tonight she was talking up a storm. She is now really repeating everything we say and saying several new words each day! Today on the way home the new words I heard were:
-boy
-super
-neat

When we got home Hal was shoveling the driveway. She is also practicing the word shoveling. It is not quite all there yet. Sophia and I played a bit in the kitchen, ate our candy from the Advent Calendar, and plugged in the Christmas tree. We looked at her daily sheet to discover that she went poo again today on the big girl potty. She is also officially now wearing pull-ups!! We also got our letter to let us know about the Christmas party at Corey's on Tuesday night. I'm sure that will be really fun.

After checking out the mail and letters we got dinner ready. Hal came in and the three of us had a great dinner together. When Sophia got done eating, we let her decorate her gingerbread boy. It was quite the sight!

Tomorrow will be another busy day. When I get home tomorrow night I think we might make a cotton ball snowman!