Flying to Santa Fe

On Wednesday morning we loaded up the Baron (frankly, I'm surprised we were able to take off -we had so much stuff) and flew to Santa Fe, NM. It was scheduled to be an easy 3-plus hour flight, but we ended up spending a few hours in Plainview, Texas. The Baron had a minor engine problem that took the mechanic a few hours to figure out and then fix. Sofia was a real trooper and enjoyed finding and picking up the best rocks, walking up and down the stairs and exploring. We finally got back up in the air and made it to Santa Fe at sunset (Sofia slept nearly the entire way). It ended up being an absolutely beautiful time to fly into New Mexico. The pictures don't really do it justice....

Sofia and Papa at the Chuck Wagon Restaurant in Plainview, Texas


Checking out the cactus in front of the restaurant (we even brought Aunt Shirl a few fruit from the cactus and they were pretty tasty)


Picking up rocks at the airport


This is pretty much how all of west Texas looks from the air


Coming into New Mexico




The light was perfect


The view as we landed


Sofia, the Baron and me


Dinner with the gang that night!

Thanksgiving!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving day and meal! We stuck with the basics - roast turkey, A&U Steve and Shirl's signature apricot/chestnut stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, gravy, homemade pumpkin yeast rolls, green beans, roast sweet potatoes and onions, and a fresh salad with pomegranate and pears. This was also followed by Uncle Steve's apple pie and pumpkin cheesecake bars that were delicious! The best part, was it all seemed to go effortlessly and everyone fit into the casita's kitchen without a problem!

Starting to cook


The turkey goes in the oven!


Aunt Kathy and Aunt Cathy making the pumpkin yeast rolls


Everyone in the kitchen! The final minutes before eating....


The table before we start to eat


Snow! It snowed most of the day, although it didn't stick


All filled up on turkey!

Sofia's Thanksgiving

Sofia's hung out in her pajamas Thanksgiving morning while the cooking started. She played with her new pony, purse, and doll. She also enjoyed playing with Grandma's scarf that she wore around the casita. She took a nice mid-morning nap, after which CK changed her into her Thanksgiving outfit and she continued to play and visit with everyone. During our meal around 430pm, Sofia was actually enjoying her second nap, which CK and I were very thankful for - we finally enjoyed a nice meal without shifting her around! She awoke refreshed and ready to open presents for Thanksmas!

Sofia and Grandma's scarf


Hanging out with Great Aunt Cathy


Purse in one hand and pony in the other - life is good!


Aunt Cathy and Uncle Roger working on Sofia's doll's bed...


Sofia puts her baby to sleep - she would cover her over with the blanket, kiss her on the cheek and pat her tummy and then say "Night, night" - SO cute!


Sofia got a beautiful handmade Christmas stocking from Grandma!


Sofia with Mommy


Sofia with Papa

Thanksmas - Opening Gifts

Following our Thanksgiving meal, we opened presents since we won't all be together at Christmas time. It was a fun evening and actually felt as if Christmas was over the next day! Sofia was very into all of her gifts and actually enjoyed them much more than the wrapping paper and ribbon (unlike last year). Oh, and the gifts she got! She got a bunch of great books (including two great pilot books and the Bear Stays up for Christmas). She got a doll that coos and cries, a little tea set, two aprons (one that matches mine) for future cookie making, a pony and purse, pink boots, and lots of great clothes! She had a very good time!

Gathered in the casita's living room and ready to open presents!


Pink Boots!


Aunt Shirl and Aunt Kathy display their beautiful handmade aprons


Grandma and Sofia enjoy their first tea party


Aunt Cathy helps Sofia into her new pink boots


Uncle Steve is focused on his Christmas present


Sofia and I with our matching Mom-made aprons - ready to start baking!

Walking around Santa Fe

On Friday, Grandma took care of Sofia while 'the girls' shopped on Santa Fe's Plaza. Aunt Shirl, Aunt Kathy and I walked up to the Plaza, enjoyed a Starbucks while people watching, and did a bit of shopping in the great shops surrounding the Plaza. That night, we returned to the Plaza to enjoy the luminarios set up on the buildings and in the courtyard. Santa was also there, but the line to see him was very long, so we checked out the decorated fire truck and walked around the Plaza before heading to a very fun dinner that included Mexican food and an all female mariachi band!

Girls on the town - Aunt Kathy, Aunt Shirl, and me


Sofia receives a monkey gift from her Papa!


Checking out the fire truck


Uncle Roger, Aunt Kathy, Aunt Shirl and Uncle Steve




The Family

Snow!

The day before leaving Santa Fe, we enjoyed a very fun day with Uncle Steve and Aunt Shirl, which started with a fabulous breakfast at Cafe Pasqual's. After stuffing ourselves, we drove into the mountains to enjoy the snow from Thanksgiving and the views of the valley below. We stopped along the mountain to take a walk in the snow! Sofia enjoyed her first real experience in snow, although she kept saying "ball" and wanted to hold onto a little snow ball, which became too cold for her after a while. She liked walking in the snow and the dogs and their owners who were on the trail. Ultimately, she enjoyed her snow balls most of all!

Waiting for breakfast at Cafe Pasqual's


All set for her trip to the mountains in her new coat and jeans from her Grandparents and her monkey bag from Papa


Great Uncle Steve gives Sofia her first snow ball


Walking with her new snow ball


Winter wonderland


The hikers


With Mommy


With Great Aunt Shirl and Papa - she wants that cowboy hat!!


Shoulder ride from Papa


Returning to the car...

Sofia at 16 months....

Here is our little girl a few days after turning 16 months. We were in Santa Fe enjoying Thanksgiving on the day, so didn't take the regular monthly photo of her in her chair with monkeys. Her hair is really growing in and she is getting so big and seems to be growing up on a daily basis. She mimics everything now and loves to give kisses and hugs, even to ladybugs, rocks, and especially to her books!