Christmas Fun

Olivia Feeding herself breakfast...Yummy Cream of Wheat!

I love my baby doll. Too bad we can't ask her what to name it.

In their new PJ's on X-mas morning

So sorry, I've been so busy with the house and everything else, I've not had a chance to update my blog.

We had a great Christmas, Olivia didn't want to open any of the gifts because earlier in the week, she had gotten into one of the open bags, and I scolded her for it. I think she remembered, because all she did was look into the bags and smile.

Of course we carried on the one gift on x-mas eve tradition and both girls got PJ's (how strange Terri and I always did too!) Santa brought Sophie a lightsaber, and Olivia a wooden-block train. Olivia also received a baby doll (see picture below) and she hasn't put it down since. Sophie got a telescope and microscope set and is constantly looking for stuff to look at. Anyway, we hope that you all have a wonderful new years!

Oh the weather outside is frightful...

Let it snow!

It has snowed since 7:00 this morning. I've shoveled the driveway twice today, and we have very large piles of snow. I'm guessing we'll have between 8-12" before this storm is over. Tomorrow the lab and the schools are on a two hour delay AKA "school hour delay." (still saying cute things even though she's so grown-up.)

After I picked Sophie up from school, both girls looked so cute in their winter gear, I had to get a picture. Finally I feel like it's Christmas time!

The world according to Sophie

We gave Sophie the old digital camera that Terri and Matt gave us many moons ago. Anyway, we finally got around to downloading her cool pictures. So, this is the world as a 6 year old sees it.

The top of a trashcan at overlook park, but more importantly, something round.

A self portrait.

Michael Phelps in the Olympics. Very historic, and important to capture such moments on film.

Her Backpack.

Some tomatoes.

Her horse window sun catcher.

An afternoon picnic.

Her play structure.

There are many more, but these are some of my personal favorites.

Double edged sword

Yesterday was Nana's funeral. She had everything arranged ahead of time down to the last detail. She requested that the oldest grandchild from each family serve as her pal bearer. The eldest grandchild from each family is a male (except me!) So I was honored to be the only girl pal bearer as well. It was a sad day with lots of tears, but at the same time it was wonderful to see all of my Sanchez Family, especially my cousins. We think it is the first time we have all been together. We got a picture to mark the day, because who knows what will happen now that Nana is gone. Death is such a sad part of life, but at the same time a wonderful time to celebrate what one tiny little woman made.

Maria Concepcion Sanchez

Nana passes

Tonight Nana passed away at 6:01 PM. We were able to be there for her final minutes. Matt took off early from work (thank you!) and we picked up some extra clothes for mom and headed down to Los Lunas. We arrived around 5:30, and said our farewells. At 5:59, Nana got a tear in her eye, opened her eyes and took her last breath. It was very peaceful and very sad. Nana was only 12 days away from her 100th birthday! I will miss Nana Concha, for she was without a doubt the most spiritual person I ever met.

A pathetic attempt at a "professional" photo shoot.

So we realized that by Sophie's 1st Birthday, she'd had over four solo professional photo shoots. We realize that Olivia has had ZERO! So, to remedy that I gave an effort with my sad little digital camera to get a pseudo professional looking shot. We all were in on the idea. Sophie was on damage control. Matt was in charge of getting her to look at the camera, and I was the picture taker. Anyway, this is all we got. I've got to give it another try! Any and all suggestions (especially on how to get a busy 14 month hold to sit still) would be appreciated.