Sassy Sophia



I have been beyond remiss lately with updating.  If I actually thought anyone was keeping up with this blog, I'd apologize for the vanishing act I've pulled over the last four months.  Since it's probably just me being entertained with this, no apology needed.

 

Much has happened over the past few months, but it's easiest to catch up with the kid that's probably had the busiest stretch of us all: Miss Sophia. 

 

This little beauty started kindergarten in September. 



 

 

Proceeded to break her arm in October (shocking...no, actually, it wasn't shocking at all.)

 

Still managed to rule the soccer field (even though we played her up a year), and racked up 32 goals in just 8 games.  Dominate.

 

 

When she wasn't out burying goals, you could find her working her moves on the dance floor in ballet.  Beautiful.

 

And finally, our wild child celebrated her sixth birthday at the end of October with a costume party with all her friends.

 

 

How I would describe Miss Sophia in five words: driven, vivacious, funny, free-spirited, and smart.  In our house, we call her Sassy.  Watch out world, this one is going to move mountains one day!

 

Next up...Hudson

(want to really follow our world, hop on Instagram and follow me @wishful13) 

Crossfire Challenge Champions

6 games in 3 days. 25 goals scored by Isabelle's team. Only 4 surrendered.

2012 Crossfire GU11 Silver Champions!!





 

Not quite the Griswolds...

...but almost.  9 days.  7 states.  3303 miles.  With three kids in a minivan that rolled over the 100,000 mile mark during the trip.  Hmmm.  Maybe we *are* the Griswolds.  Our trip took us through Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona.  We visited three National Parks; Arches, Bandelier and the Grand Canyon, and we actually made it home with all three kids.  Alive.  And somewhat happy.  (Actually, that's a lie.  They loved their time together and have all slept in one bedroom together like a little litter of puppies since we got home, as nobody wants to sleep alone.  It's precious.)

Best quote of the trip credit goes to Todd: "Trying to nap in this car is like sleeping in a fun house." (Note: Our house is a fun house 24/7.  Moving the circus to a car does not change a thing.)

I recommend the road trip to everyone.  We love them and the kids love them.  It's quality time together and you see beautiful parts of the country that would be missed otherwise.  Driving forces you to slow down, forces you to find patience you didn't otherwise know you had, forces your kids to be patient, and allows you to stop and teach them about places, people and events that you probaby never would otherwise.   

Clark Griswold said it best, "Why aren't we flying? Because getting there is half the fun."



Tiny Dancer

Sophia completed her first year with The British Dancing Academy with a wonderful performance of Beauty and the Beast.  Sophia was a lamb in the show, and did a wonderful job in front of a full house at the Highline Performing Arts Center.  Very impressive for a little girl that wouldn't set foot on the red mat at Little Gym for months when she first started as a toddler.  My how far you've come, Sophia, and how proud we are of you!



Double Digits for Isabelle

My darling Isabelle has turned 10.  Double digits.  It's beyond difficult to comprehend.  She has not only grown into a wonderful young lady, but I count her as one of my best friends.  I know that's odd to say about a 10 year old, but it's true.  I spend more time talking with her than anyone else in my life, and she's truly hilarious.  Of all my kids, she's most like Todd, so maybe that's why we gel so well.  No stubborn head butting, like Sophia and I, and no silly 4 year old little boy, like Hudson.  Isabelle has her dad's laid back personality, and takes most everything with a grain of salt.  She's slow to anger, and rather quick to forgive.  Again, pretty much the polar opposite of myself.  She is lovely with her brother (always) and her sister (when she wants to be) and we couldn't be more proud to call her ours.

Happy Birthday, Belle!







Mother's Day Delight

If I could pick one thing in life to have more money and time for, it would be photography (okay, and traveling.  Definitely traveling).  I don't claim to have extreme skill, or think I could make a profession out of it, but it's probably the one thing (past my children) that I have passion for.  My husband is very lucky to have found early in life a profession he loves and enjoys going to every day, and I've always been envious of him because I think many of us aren't so lucky.  But I enjoy photography like he loves his job.  I love seeing things through the lens and having that vision come to life later.

With that said, for Mother's Day I asked my kids for one thing...total cooperation for three mini-photo sessions.  I take A LOT of pictures of my kids, but I don't think it's necessarily something they all enjoy.  (Okay, that's a lie.  Isabelle loves the camera and would spend 24/7 with everything being about her.  But that's another story.)  This plan meant that all three got to go out with me individually, thus no pictures of the three of them together, and spend 1-on-1 time with mom, and have me snap some pictures.  I can honestly say this turned out better than I expected.  I'm not sure the pictures below are necessarily the "best" pictures of each shoot, but they're my favorites.  And the best gift this mom could have asked for.  



Huddy Buddy

Happy 4th Birthday, Hudson!