snow, Snow, SNOW!

First thing Saturday morning, Sophia snow watching...

After being inside all day, Raph and Sophia suit up to go out and play in the snow.

The first human contact...

Sledding to the Stakem's for Tim's birthday bash!

Sunday morning, after the snow finally stopped.

"Have you seen our car?"

Finding the perfect sledding spot...

Sophia slightly intimidated by the snow that was taller than she!

Beautiful Woodberry, beautiful snow...

Ready to go again!

Our snowy home

Heading inside...

What a snow storm! I haven't see this much snow in VA since I was a little girl. All day Saturday we enjoyed being snow bound watching movies, baking, napping, and of course, watching the snow fall - I perfect snow day! Saturday night, Raph and I road our sled to the Stakem's for Tim's 40th birthday party. Luckily for us, our babysitter lives at WFS and was able to walk to our house. It was fun to get out in the snow and to celebrate with friends.

This morning was so beautiful - a true winter wonderland. We were able to go sledding (briefly) and dig the Jimmy out of the driveway. It has been so much fun being together and enjoying the spectacular scenery.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Sophia loves the Christmas tree! She points to all the ornaments and packages.

Helping Mommy wrap presents...

In the middle of gift wrapping central - what a big help!

Getting a hug from the Keating sisters at the annual children's Christmas party held at the Residence.

Mrs. Campbell reading T'was the night before Christmas.

Sophia on a search for cookies...

Posing with Mommy but really wanting another cookie.

Okay, so...we are not a fan of Santa!

Posing with Lorae and Harper Heffner at the party last year...

What a difference a year makes! Look at our big girls!

Mr. and Mrs. Claus posing with all the children.

We are looking forward to celebrating Sophia's second Christmas! It is amazing watching our girl get excited about the Christmas tree - she signs "tree" every time she sees one. She is very gentle with the ornaments but points to each one. As for Santa, Sophia has no love for the man in the red suit. We have seen two Santas and in both cases Sophia wanted nothing to do with him. Maybe next year...

Fun in the snow!

In their matching overalls - getting ready to play in the snow!

Channeling her inner tiger...

"Let's go!"

"Mom, what are you wearing?"

Ready to play...

whoo hoo!

Riding to the dining hall in style!

We had so much fun enjoying the first snowfall of the year with our little snow tiger!

Ready for her close up

Here is a sampling of the pictures taken at Sophia's 1 year photo shoot. She was on the move but the photographer was able to capture some great shots regardless. Portrait Innovations is a great place!

Happy Birthday Sophia!

Sophia with her shopping cart!

Checking out all the birthday presents...

Sophia reading Hop on Pop with Pop. It's such a good book!

Sophia's birthday cake that her Great-Granny Herndon made for her. Granny made Dad's first birthday cake, my first birthday cake, and now Sophia's in the same pans. 3 generations of birthday cakes!

Ready for a birthday dinner.

Opening presents. We are both very excited about the dress Bridget gave Sophia.

Sophia and her teapot.

Sampling the tea...

Giving Grammy and Pop a thank-you hug for all of her goodies.

Time for cake!

Birthday flowers from a dear friend of my grandmother.

Grammy attempting to put on the birthday hat.

Sophia's birthday was so special and emotional for us. All day I couldn't stop looking at her and thinking back to the day she entered our lives. It has been a momentous year watching our little baby discover, learn, and grow before our eyes. Sophia has brought so much joy into our lives!