December at the Wises
Home is adorned . . . I’m having a very blue Christmas.
A trip to see the ever beautiful Nutcracker Ballet–hot fudge brownie sundaes followed.
Caroled by the children at both church and school performances. A sit on Santa’s lap to complete the evening.
Participated in our school’s annual traditions including a sunrise hike for the kindergarteners. While still night, the children and parents leave for their pilgrimage. Circling a tree, they welcome the winter dawn through song. (I would tell you more about it but I felt Alph needed the opportunity to bond with his son in the freezing dark 
)
And what would Christmas be without the making of Gingerbread houses?
Finding quiet time to cozy up by the tree with my Ollie.
And what would December in California be without flowers blooming in your front yard (I’m still not used to this one)?
Happiest of Holidays!
Filed under Design, Family | Comment (0)Sophiefest
Our Sophie Louise turned eight this month and this being a BIG year, we initiated “Sophiefest”–two weeks full of celebrations. First of all, let me just tell you I am AMAZED that my baby girl is this old. How in the world did this happen?
Sophiefest began on her birthday with the traditional birthday breakfast in bed. Usually this consists of their favorite box of junk cereal. Their mother rarely indulges in this–so it is a big treat. At this time–all family members say what they love about the birthday gal/guy. It’s not hard to come up with things to say about Sophie Lou. Nurturing, loving, kind, patient, wonderful sibling, creative and friend to all comes to mind.
After school 16 of Sophie’s friends came over for a very “girlie girl” party. I hired my favorite babysitter and her sister to help out. They provided the glitzy manicures and make-up while I did hair. Pink rocker hair was the “do” of choice.
We all then had a dance party jammin’ to our favorite gal Hannah Montana. It was crazy, wild and loads of fun!
That weekend my folks and my brothers Chris and Josh flew in for a lovely Thanksgiving with all of us at Alph’s parents house. They were then there to share in Sophie’s baptism.
What a wonderful, lovely event. Sophie just beamed. She listened intently to every word of the talks given by her grandmothers and never stopped smiling. I hope I never forget her sweet face as she came out of the water. Sam provided the humor (as usual) when he then yelled “Can I go in now?” He still is referring to it as the swimming pool.
Everyone from the baptism came over for brunch afterwards. We provided a great spread of cheesy potatoes (great recipe for the crockpot), bagels, muffins, fruit and of course, Martinellis. It was really wonderful to have so many friends and family there. Alph projected the BYU/Utah game on the big screen so many stayed for some time. The children kept busy outside with swordfights and building enchanting fortresses. I have to say, I am happiest in times like these–my home brimming with friends and family with busy, happy children bustling about. Thank you to all who came.
And since this IS Sophiefest–here are pictures from two other Sophie events.
Attending High School Musical on Ice–a big GNO (Girl’s Night Out).
And SOCCER! Sophie had a great year in her very first season. She LOVED it!
