Christmas- Part 1

We just celebrated Christmas! Doesn't everybody celebrate Christmas twice? We do. We had the McDermott Christmas first, and are flying to Portland to have my family's Christmas on the actual Christmas. Sophie is going to grow up thinking that everybody gets to have 2 Christmas celebrations. McDermott Christmas is truly like Christmas day. We wake up and do stockings, open presents, eat entirely too much, and watch the kids go crazy on sugar highs and new-toy excitement. Sophie spent most of Christmas running around and watching what the other kids were doing. She could not be stopped to worry about what she was getting, she had to see what the big kids got! We are very lucky that Mac and Emily's children truly care for Sophie and don't mind her following them around everywhere. Even, to our dismay into the bathroom. We had a wonderful Christmas, and are now resting up to prepare for Christmas (again).

Sophie stops to focus on her new toy. Mainly I just like the picture because I think her pigtails are so darn cute. The stick straight out of her head like Pippi Longstocking.

The big kids could hardly stand that the littlest one had the biggest present under the tree. They kindly offered to open it for her. As you can see, Uncle Ry lends a helping hand to keep Sophie in one spot. It was not long before she took off again!

Finally, after all the gifts are opened, Sophie pauses to look at her new toys. Now we just have to find room for everything.

Children's Museum

While we were in Portland, we visited the Children's Museum. It was wonderful, and we could have spent all day there. I took a couple of pictures of Sophie's favorite rooms- we will definitely have to go back!

The grocery store- Sophie shopped and shopped! They had everything that a real store has, including scales to weigh fruit, and a checkout that beeped when you slid your food across the scanner. I loved that everything was reachable for little hands!

The water room- it was lucky they had waterproof aprons for the kids to wear, because Sophie had a great time splashing! She loved watching the water shoot out of pipes, and collecting all the rubber ducks. It is unfortunate that they did not supply aprons for the parents to wear.

The dig room- Sophie spent a lot of time here- and was one of a few girls to do so! She loved playing in all the rocks, filling her bucket and watching the little boys. I am sure that we will visit this museum again, maybe even at Christmas!

19 Months

We just got back from Portland, where we spent the last two and a half weeks. It was great to spend a longer amount of time, and I am pleased to say that we got everything ready for Christmas! Sophie had a wonderful time, of course, and enjoyed spending lots of time with family. She is now getting to a fun age where she is starting to pretend- we had many tea parties! It was easier to leave knowing that we will be back soon.

Sophie was very fortunate to be able to see her cousin Claire almost everyday! They spent a lot of time playing together while the mommies got to sit and chat. It was fun to catch up!

This trip, I was able to meet up with my high school friend Heather and her son Marek. We enjoyed a nice lunch while our kids stared at each other, and of course, wanted what the other was eating.

Rosie and Sophie are still best friends and played a lot together. Seriously. Their favorite game was chasing each other around the house. This was great as it wore Sophie out. Sophie loved to give Rosie pats-very firm pats. It's a good thing Rosie is a kind-tempered dog.

Nana brought out some classy jewelry from the '80's which Sophie loved. She spent many days walking around looking like Mr. T. Her favorite necklace- a thick gold chain. It completed many outfits.