Hanukkah and Christmas week

We celebrated the pinnacle of the holiday season by exchanging gifts with Mimi, Pops, Jenna, and Uncle Tito for Hanukkah. During which time Aunt Jenna was a sport for hanging tough since she was just post bottom wisdom teeth extraction. Then we headed to White Face Lodge in Lake Placid, NY with Mimi, Jenna, and Uncle Tito for Uncle Tito's birthday and Christmas. Uncle Tito turned the big 1-7 on Christmas eve and got his night license-watch out! Our Little Sophia has been blossoming and growing into quite the big girl. While on vacation she experienced bowling and swimming. She was our #1 bowling fan (okay our only fan) during the Neulander vs Young bowling competition. She has also been showing interest in eating and drinking. As she watches every bite I put into my mouth. She surprises both Sage and I in leaps and bounds daily.

Aunt Jenna icing her face. Sorry Jen I couldn't resist.

The siblings minus one on Uncle Tito's birthday.

Sophia passed out on the floor of the Kanu restaurant at White Face Lodge after a long drive.

The girls at The Brown Dog Cafe in downtown Lake Placid.

A girl after my own heart...drinking sparkling water.


Sophia and family swimming and then her cuddled up with Mommy after.






































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Almost Four Months!!!!

If you look closely at her outfit you can see little jumping monkeys. Isn't' she a cute little monkey?

Emmy's Birthday

Here is Sophia helping me to blow out candles for my 29th birthday. The following day Sophia gave me her present. She surprised me by flipping over from her stomach to her back for the first time. Half scared by her action's I'm pretty sure she did not know what she was doing, but it put the biggest smile on my face.

Nonna's Turn

On Saturday we spent the afternoon at Nonna's house eating and relaxing. What a wonderful life we have...













Nonna in her glory with her two grand kids.

Uncle Tim took a turn too.

Thanksgiving Weekend Continues

Dylan and Sophia spent the day after Thanksgiving playing together. Okay, well not really playing since Sophia is only 3 months old and Dylan is only 6.5 months old. So we sat Sophia up in her Bebe' pod next to Dylan and watched them accidentally and occasionally interact. It was tons of fun!

Ah...Cousinly Love

That night the Sage Young and Tim Young families went to Nana Wendy and Papa Scott's house for diner. We were pleasantly surprised when we got there to find step-brother Mark with his two kids Aden and Ethan. Wendy made a wonderful beef stew and gave all the grand kids gifts. Thanks Wendy and Scott. Sophia got a little doll that giggles, she love to stare at it in awe.




Ethan and Aden

The Holidays Have Arrived!

I could not have wished for a better way to celebrate Thanksgiving! In the spirit of being together Mimi and Pops offered to have everyone at their house. Sage's family accepted the invitation making us one big happy family. Of course there were a few members of the Neulander clan missing that we all wished were there-yes that means you Brian and Chantal, hopefully next year! Anyway the food was fabulous and we had a wonderful time.

Uncle Tito gave the night a thumbs up.

Nonna loving Sophia...

Andrew hanging with Dylan.

Auntie Jenna and Sophia bonding.

I think Dylan's bib sums the night up best.

White Face Lodge/Lake Placid

Sage, Sophia, and I escaped to Lake Placid for a few days. This was our first official family vacation. The drive up through the Adirondack Park was breathtaking! Here is some scenery Sage captured.

After the long drive Sage and Sophia got some much
needed R & R at the White Face Lodge.

Here is Sophia the next day contemplating what we should do....
After much thought about all the activities she could participate in she decided she'd rather show off for her Daddy.

Thanks Mimi and Pops for the use of your place. We cannot wait to go back!

Halloween

Grandma Jill and Grandpa Bill gave Sophia her first Halloween costume. Sophia got to be dressed as an adorable little pumpkin. We showed off her outfit by going on a modified trick or treat run with Mimi, Vanessa, Noah, and Sharon to Oma's and then to Mirca and Barbel's. Sage meet us after at Mimi and Pops house for diner and Sophia transformed into a goblin.

UAlbany/Saratoga

The Young and Neulander families took a trip to UAlbany for Aunt Jenna's induction into the honors society.  We are so proud of Aunt Jenna's achievement and hope that Sophia will follow in her foot steps. Sophia behaved so well and was completely tranced by the crowd, loud speakers, clapping, ect... Just look at her in awe.

After the ceremony we all headed to Saratoga for eats and to hang with Uncle Kiere and Aunt Lauren. 

Sophia, Sage, and I stayed with Uncle Keire and Aunt Lauren in their beautiful new home. Sophia only cried once during the night so hopefully we will be invited back! In the morning the Neulanders joined us for a wonderful brunch cooked by our gracious hosts.

Friends

Audrey and Charlotte stopped over for their last play date.   Sadly the Moore Family is moving to Rhode Island. We will miss them. 

Audrey and Sohpia gave each other a big high five.

Played on the floor. Then Audrey showed off some of her tummy time skills.

Sophia decided she should get in on the action.

Road Trip

We took our first long drive with Sophia to attend cousin Dylan's baptism. She loved the ride down to Westchester. The next day we celebrated Dylan's admission into Christianity. Here are Sophia and I hanging out before the ceremony.

Dylan looking dapper in his white duds...

Being blessed...

With the ceremony concluded we all headed back to Deb, Tim, and Dylan's.

Above in the left upper corner is Dylan's Papa helping to hype up all the kids by handing out m&m's. Mama always says "that's what grandparents are for." Below is the after affect.

Dylan and Sophia were sad they were too little to eat candy and play with the other kids, but it won't be long!

It was a wonderful visit and Sophia cried almost all the way home cause she did not want to leave.