So Bad at Blogging

I have been terrible at keeping my blog up to date over the last few months and have missed writing about some pretty big events for Sophie.  I will do my best to catch you up on what has been going on. 

Sophie's birthday was February 18th and she was so spoiled this year that she was honored at three different birthday parties.  We had one with my family at the beginning of February to celebrate, not only Sophie's birthday, but also Mamie and Pepere's as well.  We went to my Mom and Dad's place in Red Deer and had lunch with the family.  Sophie was given her very first doll and loved it from the moment she laid eyes on it.  Baby is her doll's name and she is still a popular toy.

On the 19th of February, we celebrated Sophie's birthday at our place with some friends.  In all there were 10 kids under the age of 5 - Shay, Tova, Nixon, Gabby, Brinn, Daemon, Aiden, Caiden, Scarlett and Sophie.  Ryan found it a bit overwhelming but I think it was a lot of fun.  It is great to see so many kids running around, enjoying each other's company; I guess that is why I became a teacher.  Sophie is very fortunate to have such generous friends; she got all sorts of great gifts such as a turtle that shines the constellations on the ceiling of her room, a couple very cute backpacks, some new clothes and a few wonderful books.  You can never have too many books!  To view our February pictures, click here.

At the beginning of March, we went to Olds to have one last birthday party for Sophie and her two cousins, Ally and Grace.  Ally and Grace both have birthdays in March so it was a wonderful excuse for us to all get together.  Also, Nana and Papa were back from Arizona, where they had been hiding from the Alberta winter for a couple months, so it gave us a chance to catch up with everyone.  By this time, Sophie had had lots of practice opening presents, so much so, that she insisted on helping her cousins open theirs.  Averley made two birthday cakes and they were both delicious.  Ally also introduced Sophie to Buttons, the family pet.  Sophie thought he was the greatest thing ever.  To see pictures of Buttons and more, click here.

We had a pretty quiet Easter this year.  Sophie found her first Easter basket that morning with a duck and a book.  Later that afternoon, we went for a bike ride since it was so nice out.  We weren't quite up for travelling to Red Deer for dinner and the night, which had been our initial plan, because Sophie was cutting her top molars and was particularly unhappy.  Since we were unprepared for an Easter dinner at home, we were just going to heat up some leftovers.  I brought over some cookies to our neighbour, Cynthia, that afternoon and when she found out we were going to stay home for Easter, she insisted we come and join her family.  I'm not sure if she just felt sorry for us or really wanted our company, either way, we decided not to refuse.  She not only made the traditional turkey, potatoes, stuffing, homemade cranberries, etc.  but she also cooked a dish from Trinidad, where she is from, and a Ukrainian dish, which is Andy, her husband's heritage.  There were family and friends to share this wonderful meal with and we are grateful to have such kind and thoughtful neighbours.  Sophie also enjoyed the dinner, although she ate very little.  She spent most of her time chasing the four cats, Saxon, Tiger, Bow, and Pepper.  This was a real treat for her since she usually only gets to watch them through their front window.  She was able to forget about her teeth for a few hours and Ryan and I got to meet some really nice people.

Over the last few weeks, Sophie and I have spent as much time as possible outside.  She just loves the outdoors!  Every morning, Sophie goes to the front closet and points at the basket which contains Baron's leash and says "Walk!"  We will either take her wagon, her push car or she will walk herself to the park, which is only minutes from our house.  She isn't too interested in the park itself just yet but can spend a great deal of time just playing in the rocks.  When we aren't walking the dog or playing at the park, we can usually be found in the backyard.  We bought a water/sand table and a play structure, both of which are a big hit.    All of this makes me very excited to take her camping; I think she will really enjoy it.  If you would like to look at our pictures of Easter and us enjoying the beautiful weather, click here.