The Puzzler!

Our girls love puzzles. They play with and fight over them all the time. Before Sonya understood that all pieces fit together in a particular order, she used to put them in the Picasso style.

What do you think Mommy?

Proud of her work!

There is one piece with a cat in the puzzle. She always points it out

~.~.~.~

We recently had friends Cathy, Aaron and their little girl Riley over for dinner. It was a fun evening that ended in all the kids wanting to slide down Cathy's legs and Lego.

Cathy, Catherine, Riley & Sonya

Cathy, Glen, Aaron, Riley & Catherine playing with lego. The guys always get right into it. :)

Trick-or-Treat!

We had a great turn out this year for Trick-or-Treaters. The most we've ever had! Sonya kept on refusing to put on a costume so she wore a pretty dress, which was actually a Hello Kitty Cheerleader outfit. While she watched Catherine get into her warm lion costume, Sonya became a bit more interested in the idea of dressing up for candy. In the end, Glen held down the fort while I took my brave lion and hesitant tiger out into the cold. Sonya lasted 3 houses until she wanted to turn back. Catherine and I headed right back out and enjoyed visiting almost every house in our Close. It was a great, fun night for everyone!

Lion, Pumpkin & Cheerleader

Our little sad Lion waiting patiently for it to dark enough to get some candy

Cheerleader, mommy & Lion

And as the evening progressed, Sonya wanting whiskers like big sister...

...Wanting ears like Big Sister...

...until...

Lion, Mommy & Tigger are ready to go to work!

Sonya Turned Two - October 19th

Because of the crazy business with moving, Glen's parents hosted Sonya's 2nd birthday party. Almost everyone was able to attend and we enjoyed baking cookies, presents, eating pizza & cake, and simply celebrating our energy bundle. In the last year, Sonya has greatly improved her vocabulary and is catching up to her big sister in her coordination. She is a bit wary of new, and even some familiar, people but will let anyone read her a story...as long as you don't try to touch her too much. :) She is a squirmy bundle of energy who loves to run and play. Her newest game is playing catch.

Sonya is also a huge cat lover. Enough so that we might brave another cat in the new year, despite allergies. Did I mention her huge love of Dora? Yes. Both our girls love Doo Doo Doo Doo D-Dora.

Ameli & Jacqueline

Loni & Hilary

Hilary, Catherine & Daddy

Ulerike & Luis

Daddy & The Birthday Girl!

Raul & Ameli

Luis, James & Alberta

Rosamarina!

A smiling picture!

Enjoying her cookie

Yay! Present time!

Catherine giving Sonya some help

And eventually, all the kids join in. Good thing Sonya is a good sport!

A Visit From Trish

My good friend Trish came to stay with us for just under a week in September. The weather was nice enough to spend some time down at Edworthy park. Our original plan was to visit the zoo but it was closed for the day. We still had fun chasing after the girls at the playground and taking a walk along the path.

Trish & myself

Bucket head!

The girls eating Timbits by the pathways at Edworthy

That is one full mouth Sonya

Sitting at a random bench

Catherine enjoying the river view from the overpass to the playground

Sonya wondering what her sister was looking at

Swinging on the slide

Up on the big slide

Sonya wanting to see what is so great about the high slide. Can you see mommy in the background? She was a bit nervous.

On the titter-totter together

Enjoying a horse ride

Mommy showing Sonya how to ride

Catherine's Dance Class

Catherine absolutely adores her dance class. It is only once a week but I don't think I've ever seen her so enthusiastic about extracurricular activities. Of course, the pink tights, pink bodysuit, pink slippers & pink tutu help. It is an unparented class and her instructor, Bethia, is awesome. At the first class, Catherine didn't stop giggling or stop bouncing on the spot. She is a year younger than all the other girls (3 to 4 year old class) but does quite well. Sonya will get to join her big sister next fall.

Stretch time

Swinging from the bar

Getting ready to "wand prance" across the floor

Sonya showing off her belly

Play time at the end: Dance to the music, but when it stops, find the right colored mat!

Sharing with Bethia

I have no idea.

Sonya playing in the other dance room