A visit from Grand Pierre

Three generations

Sophia helping Daddy with his game tradegy...

Reading bedtime stories...

Sophia not looking too sleepy...

Grand Pierre is pretty funny!

Taking Sophia for a ride...

Sophia and Grand Pierre making beautiful music together (Sophia is playing a giant lego!)

Dining on wooden fruit.

Raph's Dad, Pierre-Maurice (aka Grand Pierre), came from Montpelier, France to stay with us for a week after Christmas. Pierre-Maurice visited us this time last year when Sophia was just shy of 2 months old. Needless to say, Sophia has grown up so much in the past year and was able to show her French grandfather all that she can do. During his stay, we attended my Grandmother's surprise 80th birthday party, hosted a Christmas party for my Mom's side of the family, enjoyed many meals, and played games. Raph and PM visited several winerys, worked out, and went to the movies. It was a great visit and we hope Grand Pierre comes back to visit again soon!

A very, Merry Christmas!

Heading to the WFS faculty Christmas party

Visiting Tpa a few days before Christmas

Tpa and Jody

Sophia opening presents from Tpa and Jody

Tpa helping Sophia take care of Huggums

Christmas Eve

Posing with Granddaddy and getting ready for the annual opening of the Christmas PJ's.

Christmas morning, Sophia didn't know which direction to go first!

She loves her fridge farm and wooden fruit from Santa.

Mom and Dad with the photo book we made for them.

Taking Holly for a walk...

"Can we have Christmas everyday?"

Petting Kringle, the dog puppet, from Grammy and Pop.

Pop and his girls

Visiting Granddaddy Christmas morning

Ready to enjoy Christmas breakfast at Granddaddy's.

"It's hard work opening all these presents!"

After a nap and some down time, we headed to Granny Herndon's to have dinner and open presents. Dad with 2 of his brothers before the 3rd annual "naughty Santa" gift exchange.

Snuggles with Aunt Cindy

At the end of the day, Dad and Uncle George were the proud owners of two lovely and stylish purses. I have a feeling we may see these bags again next year...

We were able to dig out of the of snow just in time to enjoy many Christmas festivities! We traveled to Lynchburg, with Raph's sister Anna, the day before Christmas Eve to visit with Raph's family. It was a relaxing day with Tpa and Jody and then we had dinner with lots of family that night. As tradition, we spent the night with Mom and Dad on Christmas Eve and we had a great time opening presents and being together. It was such a joy to see Sophia really experience Christmas this year. Her face was priceless Christmas morning seeing all that Santa had brought her and she was such a trooper the entire fun (but action packed) day.

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...