skodaseven

Christmas show

2011-12-11T15:06:00.000-08:00

Sophia had her first dance show today. It was so fun to watch all the 3 & 4 year olds dance and wave to their families. After she was done Sophia sat down next to us and said "I did awesome!" Yes, she did!!!

Untitled from FreezingInFargo on Vimeo.

Tired......

2011-11-12T18:17:00.000-08:00

And this is what you find from a girl that plays hard all day long and doesn't take naps. I thought it was adorable that she had her feet crossed. She slept in that chair for 2 hours while the rest of us carried on in our loud fashion. She definitely isn't a light sleeper.

2011-11-12T18:12:00.000-08:00

A couple days off from school led us down to Minneapolis. We did a few of our favorites like Mall of America and Karen's house. We also managed to hit up the Science Museum and the Children's Museum. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera in the car for a lot of the fun times. Thanks Karen for everything.

Turning 3

2011-11-12T14:20:00.001-08:00

Hard to believe Sophia is three! We started out the day by singing to her in her crib. She was so excited. She asked "Am I three now?" We answered and she said "Can I have birthday cake now?" We had a wonderful day and she still asks every so often "Am I still three?" And I think to myself you better be cause you are growing up too fast.

Just bragging

2011-11-12T14:17:00.001-08:00

I was working in the kitchen one day and Sophia was quietly doing something on the stairs. She finally called to me "mom, look what I can do." I came around the corner to see her perfectly writing her name. I was such a proud mom so now I have to share.

Beauty shop

2011-06-08T18:06:00.000-07:00

Sophia loves her "booty shop" and spends lots of time doing her hair or doing ours. I think she definitely has some future potential. Need your hair straightened or your nails done? Stop on over.

Siouxper!

2011-06-08T18:04:00.000-07:00

The cutest little Sioux fan I have ever seen.

Baby chicks

2011-06-08T18:00:00.000-07:00

Going to the local farm store and looking at the baby chicks seemed like a fun Friday night date. Sophia enjoyed them but I stayed a safe distance away and let her enjoy them with her father.

Circus time

2011-06-08T17:16:00.000-07:00

When the Shrine Circus made it to town we knew we needed to attend. Somehow it didn't seem as exciting as I remembered it to be. But 1 light up wand and a pony ride later the night seemed like a success. Unfortunately now we have a daughter who wants a pony.

Experienced rider

2011-06-08T17:14:00.000-07:00

It was a really long winter & we resorted to riding the tricycle around the loop in our house. Thank goodness for hardwood floors.

2011-06-08T17:10:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my mom & dad for saving all of our childhood games and toys. Recently these two classics made an appearance at my house. Luckily cousin Caleb was here to enjoy the fun times.

Sisterly love

2011-06-07T15:13:00.000-07:00

Jocelyn's almost always willing to do whatever Sophia asks. Mostly it's just normal requests but this day she requested Jocelyn to read to her in her crib. Jocelyn quickly crawled in and her sister couldn't have been happier.

Confusion?

2011-06-07T15:11:00.000-07:00

I think Sophia may have been confused on this cold winter day. Rain boots, underwear, and her sisters winter hat? Such a funny girl.

2011-06-07T15:08:00.000-07:00

Sophia is so lucky that she has older siblings that treat her so well. They are very creative in the things that they come up with.

First place winner!

2011-06-07T15:06:00.000-07:00

Jocelyn is quite a little artist and this winter she participated in a Native American artist contest. She won first place! Next year she is planning on submitting many more pieces as the prize was cash. Great job, Jocelyn.

Happy birthday Fred!

2011-06-07T14:58:00.000-07:00

2011-02-25T14:50:00.000-08:00

I think this is one of the cutest pictures I have taken of Sophia. We were getting ready to head out to church and she had put her backpack on and was ready to play. I grabbed my camera to snap a quick picture and to my shock she turned and smiled. She usually doesn't. It also just happens that she was standing in front of a couple art things she has made in Sunday School. And seriously, the turning in of her shoes? How adorable!

Sparkles!

2011-02-25T14:48:00.000-08:00

Sophia loves putting on chap stick and just recently discovered how much fun her sister's blueberry scented sparkles were.

2011-02-25T14:46:00.000-08:00

Yes, this is Sophia after a dress up session with her sister. And yes, she is wearing clothes that my mom sewed for my Cabbage Patch Kids when I was a child!

Gymnastics

2011-02-13T20:02:00.001-08:00

Sophia started taking gymnastics this fall and has absolutely fallen in love. When we are getting ready to go anywhere she always asks "jumping?" She now knows that jumping is on Tuesday and has a blast every Tuesday morning. She loves her coach and just watches everything she does so intently. We are so proud of how well she listens and how well she does every week.

Homemade ice cream time!

2011-02-10T18:35:00.001-08:00

With grandma & grandpa visiting it seemed like a great time to make some homemade ice cream. It was so delicious! The recipe made so much that I was forcing the kids to keep eating more. Sadly we couldn't even finish it all but only let a little go to waste. Sophia enjoyed every drop just like the rest of us.

2011-02-10T18:33:00.000-08:00

Knitting

2011-02-10T18:26:00.000-08:00

Grandma came to visit and taught Jocelyn how to knit. Jocelyn quickly finished a square. Grandma better come back soon so she can complete something bigger and better.

Pig tails

2011-02-10T18:24:00.001-08:00

Thinking

2010-12-28T10:21:00.001-08:00

The other day I asked Sophia a question and she surprised me by tapping her finger on her chin and saying "hmmmmm." I guess she is now into "thinking."

sophia thinking from FreezingInFargo on Vimeo.

Christmas Eve

2010-12-27T08:54:00.000-08:00

2010-12-27T08:52:00.000-08:00

No pictures. Please!

Oh, all right.

Sledding!

2010-12-27T08:51:00.001-08:00

Decorating the tree

2010-12-27T08:48:00.001-08:00

2010-12-27T08:46:00.000-08:00

I never post any pictures of us. So here we are. I think we are looking pretty good.

Coloring

2010-12-27T08:40:00.000-08:00

Sophia now gets a chance to color using the same crayon holder that I used as a child. She loves to sit at the table and color... Or do I mean scribble really fast?

2010-12-06T12:39:00.000-08:00

Concentrating hard while working on a puzzle from Aunt Becky. Thanks for the jammies too! Sophia loves the "noman" on them.

Birthday fun

2010-10-17T19:15:00.000-07:00

More birthday fun

2010-10-17T18:54:00.000-07:00

More pumpkin patch fun

2010-10-17T18:07:00.000-07:00

2010-10-17T18:01:00.000-07:00

Lately we have been enjoying some very warm weather. This has made for extra park time. Sophia loves to swing and go down the "big kid" slide.

2010-10-17T17:56:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when you share your soup with your puppy.

Raking leaves

2010-10-17T17:52:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin patch fun

2010-10-17T17:47:00.000-07:00

Flying already?

2010-10-17T17:43:00.000-07:00

Fred recently hooked up his airplane game on the computer and it looks like Sophia is ready to learn how to fly. Don't worry, I've told him he needs to wait a few years.

2010-10-17T17:41:00.000-07:00

Enjoying some of our neighbors beautiful flowers.

Washing my hands

2010-10-17T17:38:00.001-07:00

Sophia is enjoying being tall enough to stand on the stool and wash her hands by herself. I've taught her to sing the ABC's while soaping up which is a lot of entertainment while in a public restroom.

Which aunt??

2010-10-17T17:35:00.000-07:00

It's so hard to choose when I love them both so much!

Breakfast time

2010-10-10T18:35:00.000-07:00

It only seems fitting that cousins should have breakfast while wearing their tutu and buzz lightyear towel.

Cold weather fun

2010-10-10T18:30:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately the weather didn't allow for us to play outside very much but I guess this morning they just needed to get out. And it only seemed fair that if they were going to endure the elements they should be rewarded with some hot chocolate. Sophia sure seemed to enjoy her first cup.

"Don't break the ice"

2010-10-10T18:28:00.001-07:00

Sharing

2010-10-10T18:20:00.000-07:00

A lot of sharing or attempts at sharing went on at our house while Caleb & his mom were visiting. I think Caleb is thinking "see, this is how this toy works."

First day of school

2010-10-10T18:03:00.001-07:00

It's hard to believe that these two will be 7th & 8th graders this year. Their school year started early with sports practices. Jocelyn joined the swimming team and Dylan joined cross country. We're all looking forward to a busy and fun year.

Last day of summer

2010-10-10T17:47:00.000-07:00

The day before school was looking to be a rainy a day so we decided to head into Fargo and check out the zoo. I couldn't believe that after living in Fargo for so long we had never gone. It's definitely a tiny zoo but still provided fun for us.

the ride home

2010-10-10T17:36:00.000-07:00

The zoo really wiped this girl. We had to leave because it started raining but obviously we needed to leave because we had severely passed nap time.

Sailing, sailing, FINALLY

2010-08-27T17:57:00.000-07:00

If you've been to our house this summer you have heard about Fred's sailboat. Actually I was convinced it was our new lawn decoration. I think the more he was pestered about when the boat would actually make it into the water, the more he put it off. But here is the proof. We are actually backing it into the water.....

And off he sailed. Things went pretty smoothly except the wind kept gusting which made the sailing not as pleasant. Dylan hopped on board for awhile and had a good time. The rest of us are looking forward to our turn on the boat too. Well, maybe I'm looking forward to napping below deck!

Counting & some singing

2010-08-24T09:33:00.000-07:00

Untitled from FreezingInFargo on Vimeo.

Morning read

2010-07-16T10:56:00.001-07:00

Much to the delight of Fred, there was an airshow here in town last weekend. He took all of the kids with him. There were lots of airplanes and now Sophia tries to point them out constantly. Sometimes it's a motorcycle she hears but she still points to the sky and exclaims "airplane". This morning the paper was laying on the table and there happened to be an article with a photo of a man and his airplane. Well, Sophia was absolutely delighted to see this. I love in the video how she describes with her hands how the airplane flies. I guess Fred may have finally found someone who may share his same love of aviation.

Untitled from FreezingInFargo on Vimeo.

Happy birthday Dylan

2010-07-07T12:24:00.001-07:00

Dylan recently celebrated his 12th birthday. He decided to just celebrate with his family so we had a quiet day. Happy birthday to a great son!!

tubers

2010-07-07T12:22:00.001-07:00

Jocelyn & Dylan like to do all sorts of water sports but I am truly convinced that their first love is tubing.

corn on the cob

2010-07-07T12:18:00.001-07:00

Sophia's first attempt at corn on the cob was a success. Of course success means, Messy!!

Daddy & Sophia

2010-07-07T12:14:00.000-07:00

Fred loves the lake & LOVES sharing many firsts on the lake with Sophia.

Summer days

2010-06-30T19:21:00.000-07:00

Sophia can spend hours outside in her swimsuit playing in her pool. Trust me, I know because she has. Her crazy hair in the photos is courtesy of all of the annoying wind we have been having.

Fathers Day

2010-06-30T19:15:00.000-07:00

We had a great Fathers Day that also included some yummy eating. Thanks for being such a wonderful father everyday AND for taking us to Zorbaz!

Funny photos

2010-06-30T19:09:00.000-07:00

Jocelyn decided to "pose" her little sister for some photos. Sophia seemed a little confused as to what her sister was doing but she willingly went along with it. Maybe someday Sophia will be thanking Jocelyn for starting her modeling career.

2010-06-30T19:01:00.000-07:00

Injured but still looking cute. Sophia has seemed unphased by the fact that she can't walk around. She has mastered crawling but we do a lot of carrying her around.

2010-06-30T18:57:00.000-07:00

The first ski of the summer for Jocelyn. Hopefully we have more sunny days to come. We are really tired of the rain!

Sharing

2010-06-24T18:36:00.001-07:00

It's a good thing that everyone in our house is good at sharing because we have a certain someone who always wants what her brother or sister has. Thanks Jocelyn & Dylan for being so sweet with your sister.

2010-06-24T18:31:00.000-07:00

Sophia loves to sit on ours legs and get bounced around. It seems like a fun thing to do until you've done it for 5 minutes and your legs can't take any more. Jocelyn decided that this was definitely a good leg workout!

Dylan & Pugsy

2010-06-24T18:29:00.001-07:00

Fractured tibia

2010-06-12T07:54:00.001-07:00

On Tuesday I slipped down our front wet steps while holding Sophia. I only slipped down a couple but managed to get some major black and blue marks on myself and Sophia somehow fractured her foot. She actually took her nap as normal and we only discovered the fracture after she woke up. A quick x ray at the clinic and then she was wrapped in a splint. Wednesday we headed into Fargo to the doctor. He said they would continue to keep a splint on and we would need to come back next week for another x ray. Childrens bones heal quickly and I'm hoping to be done with this experience next week. I'm very thankful they didn't put a cast on as we can take off the splint and give her a bath. She has figured out how to crawl but we do a lot of laying around and watching Elmo or VeggieTales.

Let the boating begin

2010-06-12T07:50:00.001-07:00

It seems that Sophia loves being on the water. Of course you should always be wearing a pair of daddy's sunglasses. At least now he will have someone else to blame when they go missing.

Happy birthday Jocelyn!!

2010-06-12T07:41:00.000-07:00

Well, as of last Sunday we officially have a teenager in the house. The weather wasn't all that we had hoped for but the girls did manage to go tubing, get drenched by a rainshower, eat suckers in the hot tub and stay up way too late in the tent. I'm pretty sure there were lots of other things that I'm leaving out. Oh yeah, typical of teenagers, a LOT of junkfood was consumed. Happy birthday Jocelyn! We can't wait for all of your teenage years ahead.

watermelon

2010-06-12T07:39:00.000-07:00

It appears that Sophia loves watermelon. It's definitely an outside only snack!

Farmer?

2010-06-11T17:13:00.000-07:00

Dylan loves putting grass in his mouth because he thinks that's what farmers do and yes he does want to be a farmer like grandpa. Lately, he has been trying to also convert his sister. If you look carefully they both have grass in their mouths.

Time on the farm

2010-06-01T11:01:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we made the drive up to visit grandma & grandpa on the farm. The weather wasn't very nice but we did get a little time outside on Saturday. We enjoyed a nice walk through the trees and Sophia helped grandma in her greenhouse. Of course Dylan & Jocelyn made many trips around the farm on the three wheeler.

telephone

2010-05-16T19:44:00.000-07:00

Sophia loves my phone. Sometimes while I talk I put the person on speaker phone and Sophia holds the phone to her ear and listens intently. She loves to talk but when she gets on the phone she's pretty quiet. I had Fred capture this picture one afternoon while I was talking to Jodi. So chances are if you call me this is what we will look like on the other end.

bike riding

2010-05-16T19:38:00.000-07:00

I am looking forward to a lot of bike rides this summer. I am the lucky one that gets to tow around the extra 45 pounds but I guess then I really can count my ride as a workout. Sophia loves to ride and she has plenty of room for some snacks and toys. There's nothing like a family bike ride on a warm summer evening.

Looking good!

2010-05-16T19:36:00.000-07:00

2010-05-16T19:33:00.000-07:00

Sophia loves being outside and really loves playing on her slide. Although during this picture she is taking a rest and eating her snack. Did I mention this girl loves to eat?

feeding herself

2010-05-16T19:29:00.001-07:00

Sophia recently started feeding herself. This is one of her early attempts. I try and let her feed herself breakfast because it is preshower so she can spill all she wants. I really like to try and keep things clean so I'll admit that I give her the spoon and then have to turn my back and keep busy while she eats.

hot tub

2010-05-16T19:26:00.001-07:00

I think we are going to have a summer that involves spending a lot of time in the hot tub. Doesn't everyone look like they are having a good time?

2010-05-16T19:24:00.000-07:00

Sophia really likes the fridge but I guess I should tell her that we don't play piano while sitting in it.

Grandma & grandpa

2010-05-16T19:20:00.000-07:00

Wow, Easter was so long ago. We sure did have a good time with grandma & grandpa. Please come again visit soon!

More water

2010-04-09T14:45:00.000-07:00

Today Sophia really started saying "more" when she wanted more of something. She says it in this really cute way. Of course she was saying it constantly before I started recording but she does say it near the end. I don't know how to shorten the video but watching her gulp water with such effort is pretty funny too. About half way through she also farts which always causes her to laugh and me to have her excuse herself. Enjoy the video and please excuse the mess of toys in the background!

Untitled from FreezingInFargo on Vimeo.

2010-04-04T18:39:00.000-07:00

We recently stopped at a friends house for a little play time. Sophia loved playing on the trike and getting pushed by Dylan. She was also so excited to see and be around another dog. Thanks Ned & Mirela for letting us hang out for a few hours.

Haircut

2010-04-01T18:28:00.001-07:00

Well, she doesn't have much hair but we she does have was getting long and hanging in her eyes. We took Sophia to Anne who cut my hair when we lived in Fargo. She's great and I miss her a lot and so I thought who better to give Sophia her first haircut. She sat on my lap and did great. I'm pretty sure she liked the idea of having a sucker of her very own when she was down. Isn't she adorable?

Outside is great!

2010-03-28T19:15:00.001-07:00

Our temperatures have been great lately. I mean after a long winter temps in the 50's feel warm. Sophia has discovered she loves being outside. She'll go in and out the back door and just run around outside. She really doesn't play with anything but just enjoys being outside. Today while we enjoyed roasting hot dogs over a fire Sophia enjoyed throwing leaves through the fence. We are all looking forward to a long summer with lots of outdoor time.

Pool time fun

2010-03-28T19:09:00.000-07:00

We recently had a long weekend so we ventured down to the cities for some fun. I had fun going to a few of my favorite stores and restaurants. One night we were able to convince Karen to make the trek to our motel for some pool time. Sophia quickly found Karen to be a lot of fun and had no problem going to her. This was probably helped by the fact that Karen brought us some yummy pizza. Did I ever mention that Sophia LOVES pizza? Well, she loves Karen a lot too and we are so glad we got to spend some time with her.

Reading

2010-03-28T19:05:00.000-07:00

Sophia loves to look at books. Some of her favorites are her nursery rhyme books. I think it's because I sing and recite them to her while she happily flips through the pages. This is usually what I do while I am trying to get ready everyday. Whatever works is what I'll do. Plus now she really enjoys all the rhymes and will quickly turn the page to hear some of her favorites. In case you are wondering they are 1 2 buckle my shoe, baa baa black sheep, and twinkle twinkle little star.

Such a cute smile

2010-03-28T19:04:00.001-07:00

Little red airplane

2010-03-02T12:45:00.000-08:00

Sophia's turn to ride the little red airplane!

Coffee?

2010-03-02T12:41:00.000-08:00

Ok, it was really just my empty cup, but she really was trying to get that last drop.

Sharing with Caleb

2010-03-02T12:38:00.000-08:00

While visiting Caleb, Sophia was overjoyed to share his only baby with him. They look so serious, don't they?

Babies!

2010-03-02T12:35:00.001-08:00

Sophia is all about babies. She loves feeding them, wrapping them in blankets, rocking them while I sing and even trying to dress them. The past few days she has been repeating "baby" over and over. She calls us all baby and gets so thrilled when we are out and she actually sees babies. It is honestly so cute!

Chocolate

2010-02-10T18:31:00.000-08:00

And this is what happens when you leave the kitchen for a moment... the little girl finds the stash of chocolate. And I'm pretty sure she was enjoying it.

Grapefruit?

2010-02-10T18:28:00.000-08:00

Yes, this wonderful child of mine does enjoy eating grapefruit. She will make a sour face sometimes, but keeps on eating. Thanks for sharing with her grandpa!

One great brother

2010-02-10T18:25:00.000-08:00

Sophia loves being entertained by her brother. She also loves to kick back in this basket and get pulled around by him. Usually Dylan gives her a pillow, blanket, and some toys while she's riding. All she really needs is her thumb and for the ride to never end.

Sharing

2010-02-10T18:23:00.000-08:00

She's not trying to get out of eating because she loves everything we put in front of her but she just loves sharing. Even with Pugsy!

2010-02-10T18:14:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty sure swim diapers don't belong on Sophia's head or over her pajamas but she doesn't seem to follow any fashion rules. She loves wearing hats and so I guess this diaper counts.

ruffle butt

2010-01-14T19:14:00.000-08:00

This cute ruffle butt comes to you courtesy of Aunt Jodi. So cute!!

skating rink

2010-01-14T19:09:00.000-08:00

During Christmas break we worked on creating an ice skating rink down on the lake. We had a few trial and error experiences but it is a big success. The kids love to go down after school and play a little hockey with each other. It's really peaceful when I step outside and all I hear are their blades on the ice. Being here in the winter has really given us a lot of new experiences.

sweet music

2010-01-14T19:07:00.001-08:00

I guess the music isn't always sweet when Sophia gets her hands on the keys, but Jocelyn and Dylan are patient enough to tolerate her sitting on the bench with them. This has recently become one of her favorite activities.

Reading time

2010-01-14T19:04:00.000-08:00

Sophia loves cuddling up with a good book. But she absolutely loved cuddling up with a good book AND grandma & grandpa!

Noise maker

2010-01-14T18:51:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much Karen for the loudest toy Sophia owns! She absolutely loves balls and this toy shoots them up much to her squealing delight. Ok, we all squeal because it is so much fun. I think the look on her face describes her pure delight.