La Preciosa - The Precious One

Happy Holidays

2011-12-26T18:13:00.000-05:00

Fall 2011

2011-10-10T17:09:00.005-05:00

Apple picking.

Camping.

Fine dining at the campground.

Bird watching at the campground.

One of the few times Sophia stops talking is when she's enjoying summer corn.

First Day of SK

2011-10-10T17:05:00.000-05:00

Sophia's Summer So Far

2011-08-07T10:42:00.007-05:00

Sophia and Homero went camping with some friends - she loved it.

Sophia and her cousin Megan - whom she worships.

Spain & Portugal

2011-08-07T10:16:00.011-05:00

Sophia and Homero spent a week in Spain & Portugal...I stayed home because somebody has to work around here :)

Makeover

2011-07-16T21:03:00.001-05:00

Sophia gave us both a lovely makeover. I think she was going for that 80s/Madonna kind of look.

At Last...Summer

2011-07-02T18:38:00.002-05:00

Mother's Day Weekend

2011-05-08T19:58:00.005-05:00

Me and my gal on Mother's Day morning.

Practicing how to "slow dance" with cousin Livvie.

First golf lesson.

Apres lesson.

With Papa - the golf mentor.

Trip to Gibsons, BC

2011-03-11T21:54:00.006-05:00

Sophia and I had a great trip West to visit Jenny, Si and kids last week. Here we are on the beautiful Pacific coast.

On the beach with Jenny and Sabine.

Playing with cousin Sabine.

Sophia on the Ferry - it took us cars, planes, trains, buses and ferrys to get there, but the scenary can't be beat.

Football Sunday

2011-01-09T12:17:00.003-05:00

Sophia doesn't get as excited about the Playoffs as her Dad does, but she willingly wears her football shirt to show her support while working on crafts.

Christmas '10

2010-12-26T19:44:00.009-05:00

Sophia's Christmas Concert.

Skiing on Christmas Eve.

Sophia and I on top of the Family run.

Warming up in the ski chalet.

At the Grinch musical with cousin Meghan.

Waiting for the Grinch.

The Lewis/Pottage/Imrie/Xoyon clan, minus me.

2010-12-10T16:45:00.002-05:00

Happy Holidays

2010-11-28T12:41:00.007-05:00

Fall

2010-10-31T18:25:00.005-05:00

Sleeping Beauty.

First day of JK.

Fall day at the park.

Picking the last of the tomatoes.

Goodbye Summer

2010-09-06T13:17:00.006-05:00

Canoeing in Algonquin.

Tom Thomson monumment.

Nature walk.

Evening swim.

Searching for bugs.

Summer Shots

2010-08-22T07:39:00.004-05:00

Scootering.

Papa's birthday.

Making tortillas with Gally.

Beans and cucumbers from our garden.

Chilling in the pool.

My beauty.

Helping out.

Summer

2010-07-22T19:48:00.002-05:00

Swimming in Lake Couch.

Sophia napping on me on a hot summer day.

Mariposa

2010-07-22T19:37:00.004-05:00

We took Sophia to Mariposa Folk Festival a couple weekends ago - great time with fabulous music and kid-friendly events.

Sonora Lodge

2010-06-23T21:07:00.004-05:00

Just returned from an amazing trip to Sonora Lodge, BC. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I wouldn't be able to describe if I tried - too stunning for words.

Here I am reeling in a salmon - took me about 15 minutes and I thought my arms were going to fall off.

Here's my catch - 21 pound Pacific Ocean salmon.

My fishing guide packaged it all up and I brought it home with me on ice. Too bad I don't eat fish, but I know the rest of my family will enjoy it.

Fluffy Car Car

2010-06-19T20:48:00.002-05:00

I'm not sure what made me do it (sleep deprivation, working-mother's guilt, or perhaps just a moment of weakness?) but I finally caved this week and let Sophia buy her first pet. She named him Fluffy Car Car. She loves him and is so happy to finally have a pet of her own.

Summer in May

2010-05-30T20:16:00.005-05:00

Sophia's Lemonade stand - she had several customers, most of which were relatives but she was so cute taking their money, and pouring them a glass!

Counting her profits - which she told us she is going to send to the kids in Guatemala who don't have any money.

"Bar's Open!"

2010-05-07T20:51:00.001-05:00

Nana

2010-05-07T20:23:00.002-05:00

Today Sophia and Nana baked cupcakes - there's something so great about watching your parents spend time with your child...I love it.

Some Spring Shots

2010-05-07T19:49:00.006-05:00

Trip to the ROM with Gally.

Easter Egg hunt in our backyard.

Chocolate for breakfast.

Sophia and Cousin Livvie in their "Hannah-Tannah" wigs.

Sophia & Hannah

2010-04-02T20:19:00.003-05:00

When I was growing up, I helped to look after Hannah when she was a baby and beyond...now she helps me look after Sophia.

Falls and Pools

2010-04-02T20:01:00.005-05:00

We took a family trip to Great Wolf Lodge to kick off the long weekend and couldn't resist getting outside to see the Falls given the incredible weather.

Sophia got to pick out a treat from the gift shop and she picked the gigantic lolipop she is holding - the same thing I used to pick when I was a kid.

Baby Noelle's first swim - she liked it.

The weather was an added bonus during our trip and we actually sat outside in our bathing suits on April 1st - must be a record.

The kids loved the pools - here they sit on their lily pad.

Dance Recital

2010-03-24T18:16:00.007-05:00

Buddies

2010-03-10T08:44:00.001-05:00

My Beauty

2010-02-23T19:32:00.003-05:00

Sick Sophia

2010-02-09T11:11:00.001-05:00

Sophia and I are both sick with colds - so movies in bed.

Snacking Sophia

2010-02-09T11:07:00.001-05:00

Sleeping Sophia

2010-02-09T11:02:00.002-05:00

Team Canada

2009-12-29T21:00:00.003-05:00

Baby Noelle.

Sophia and her 4 cousins; Ben, Evie, Livvie and Noelle!

Olympic Torch!

2009-12-29T20:42:00.001-05:00

The Holidays

2009-12-26T19:17:00.006-05:00

2009-12-26T19:00:00.002-05:00

Christmas Joy!

2009-12-26T18:35:00.001-05:00

Welcome Noelle

2009-12-20T21:36:00.001-05:00

Santa '09

2009-12-20T21:33:00.001-05:00

Lady & The Tramp

2009-12-20T21:14:00.004-05:00

Baptism - Gabriel & Magdalena

2009-12-20T20:31:00.002-05:00

Xoyon Festivas

2009-12-20T20:26:00.002-05:00

My Little Ballerina

2009-12-20T20:22:00.002-05:00

Florida Trip - Orlando

2009-12-20T20:12:00.008-05:00

Florida Trip - St. Pete's

2009-12-20T19:50:00.009-05:00

Halloween 09

2009-11-10T15:27:00.002-05:00

Pumpkin Patch Field Trip

2009-11-10T15:21:00.002-05:00

Long Weekend

2009-10-14T11:17:00.002-05:00

First time at a 3D movie - Toy Story 1and 2.

Sophia's best bud, Beatrice, came for a sleep over last weekend.

Sophia was thrilled for the fall weather so she could make use of her "brella".

Skating Lessons

2009-10-14T11:07:00.004-05:00

Family Shot

2009-09-28T07:51:00.003-05:00

Cutting Out Naps

2009-09-28T07:43:00.003-05:00

We've been trying to cut out naps lately as it makes for earlier bed times, but sometimes she just can't make it!

No Fear

2009-09-28T07:30:00.002-05:00

Holding a tarantula.

Petting a turtle.

Holding a snake.

Summer Holidays

2009-08-14T09:07:00.010-05:00

Georgian Bay nights.

Family shot under the full moon light.

Roasting marshmellows.

Cottaging on Lake Superior.

My baywatch babes.

Cyprus Lake, Tomermory.

On the ferry to Manitoulin Island - we had a 7am departure so Sophia got to wear her pj's.

Camping in Tobermory.

Sophia testing out the tent, which did indeed keep us dry during a huge thunderstorm that night.

Beautiful B.C

2009-08-14T08:20:00.007-05:00

View from where we stayed on Bowen Island.

Vancouver Aquarium.

Stanley Park bike ride. (actually, bike ride for us but nap for Sophia)

Sophia fell in love with cousin Murph.

Jennie and Si's Wedding

2009-08-14T07:13:00.008-05:00

Celebrating amidst the lightening, rain, hail and rainbows.

The stunning couple.

My beautiful cousin.

Sophia and Finley, reunited.

Celebrating before the big day.

Musical festivities courtesy of the bride and groom.

Summer(ish)

2009-06-15T06:14:00.008-05:00

Since Summer decided to finally join us, we spent most of the weekend outside.

Meeting Sam

2009-05-25T07:11:00.004-05:00

First Soccer Game

2009-05-25T06:57:00.005-05:00

Visiting Sam

2009-05-25T06:44:00.004-05:00

Kamping with a "K"

2009-05-25T05:31:00.012-05:00

The best part about Yahtzee is just shaking up the dice.

Papa came to enjoy the ribs.

First outdoor swim of the season.

Nana brought starbuck's in the morning - my kind of camping.

By the time the campfire was lit, Sophia could hardly keep her eyes open she was so tired.

Scott's ribs.

Easter 09

2009-04-13T12:17:00.007-05:00

Adios Winter

2009-03-29T11:06:00.004-05:00

I'm not sad to see the end of winter, but we did have some fun moments like tobagganing one sunny day.

Dentist

2009-03-29T11:01:00.002-05:00

Sophia had her first official trip to the dentist this week. All is good with her teeth and she loved the experience - especially picking a treat from the treasure chest at the end of her visit.

Day Trippin'

2009-03-29T10:54:00.003-05:00

We spent a day at the zoo this week - Sophia's favourite animal was the "nocerous". What cool creatures they are.

Cutest 3 Year Old (at least at our house!)

2009-02-26T13:15:00.003-05:00

Sophia's 3rd Birthday

2009-02-26T13:13:00.001-05:00

Happy Holidays

2008-12-18T14:59:00.005-05:00

Future pilot?

Future Artist perhaps?

Sophia's 3rd Christmas.

Helping to decorate the tree...

Happy holidays to everyone and a healthy New Year!

Halloween 08

2008-11-03T08:08:00.007-05:00

Jen and Finley (our little lion).

The not-so-happy lion.

Princess Sophia and Skunk Livvie.

The eclectic Halloween gang.

My beautiful girl.

Ready for a night of fun.

Some Fall Pics...

2008-10-20T06:09:00.005-05:00

Getting bigger and therefore getting better on the bike...

Cousin Nikki (and Beaz).

Sophia's favourite - Beaz.

Thanksgiving Weekend 2008

2008-10-20T06:00:00.007-05:00

Heading out for a road trip.

At a cottage near Bobcaygen.

Sophia loved her ride in the Chariot.

Best weather ever for Thanksgiving weekend.

Warm enough to dip our feet in.

Cousins playing.

Thanks to Ron and Silvia for hosting a wonderful weekend!

Summer Vacation

2008-07-20T09:37:00.007-05:00

Hot summer day in the backyard with Sam.

Helping with the landscaping at home.

Playing in PEI - this was the night we went to a local strawberry social.

Picnic day at Springwater Park.

Miniature goats at the Elmvale Zoo - just the right size for petting.

Rock jumping with cousins at Singing Sands Beach - PEI. This is a cool beach that sounds like it's "singing" when you walk on it.

It's been a while...

2008-06-20T14:42:00.006-05:00

Big girl bed....which she loves.

Wearing a hat like Daddy's.

Modelling the new floater swimsuit Nana bought.

Trying to hold Cole's hand during a play date.

Hanging out with Cole.

Sorry Sophia...

2008-03-27T19:37:00.001-05:00

She'll probably hate me for this picture when she's older, but I had to share it. She loves those red rain boots.

Easter Weekend

2008-03-27T19:26:00.007-05:00

Sophia and Evie looked pretty in red and we all enjoyed a nice lunch at Aunt Onnie's.

Egg hunt - it took about 2 seconds for her to catch on to the concept.

Searching....

Sophia shoved an entire egg in her mouth - that's why her right cheek looks like a chipmunk.

The twins.

My favourite easter bunny - Sophia. Somewhere beneath all that snow is our backyard.

Talking to Gally

2008-03-18T18:01:00.005-05:00

Sophia loves to talk to her Abuelita on the phone, but tonight she did it while using the headset which she thought was pretty cool.

Slumber Party

2008-03-18T17:57:00.002-05:00

Cousin Livvie came for a sleep over last weekend - here's a shot from the morning after when the girls made eggs for breakfast. I'm pretty sure Sophia will hate her hair when she's a teenager, but we think it's pretty awesome :)

From my two-year old...

2008-02-25T21:12:00.002-05:00

From my two-year old I've learned...

That having a daughter feels like Christmas morning every day
That a person really can survive off of very little sleep and a heck of a lot of caffeine
That the little things in life really are the best things
That patience isn't just a virtue, it's a mandatory requirement to being a parent
That a child's smile or laugh can turn the worst day into the best
That play-doh does come out of carpets if you try hard enough
That there is no better feeling on earth than getting a hug from your child
That it is more important to be a good parent than to be a good anything else
That being a working mom is the hardest yet most rewarding role there is
That no matter how long I live, it won't be enough time with my daughter.

Happy Birthday Sophia

Tobogganing

2008-02-25T19:32:00.001-05:00

Party Time!

2008-02-24T21:38:00.005-05:00

Sophia enjoying some of her cake...

Sophia blowing out her candles...

The cake - must have been good - no leftovers!

Looking beautiful with Dad before the chaos that was her 2nd Birthday party began...

We had an amazing and blessed day celebrating Sophia's 2nd birthday with all her friends and family - tobogganing, playing, eating and catching up...thank you to everyone for the gifts and for spending your Sunday with us!

Pink Popsicles and Other Remedies

2008-02-20T22:18:00.004-05:00

Sophia was struck by a stomach bug last night - details aside, it was not a pleasant night for her or I. She does seem to be on the mend now, and even enjoyed a pink popsicle tonight. Pink popsicles instantly take me back to my own sick days at home as a child.

Love, Love, Love...Love Is All You Need

2008-02-14T20:52:00.000-05:00

A Valentine cookie delivered by Papa...

Pizza Night

2008-02-06T18:10:00.001-05:00

ISophia "assisted" in the kitchen tonight by helping her dad make pizza.

Pigtails

2008-02-05T19:28:00.000-05:00

23 Months

2008-01-25T13:08:00.000-05:00

I guess this is our last month to refer to Sophia's age in "months". Next month she will be 2, and then she'll either be 2, or 2 1/2, or almost 3...
I don't have any recent pics but these are a few of my faves from recent months.

Faces

2008-01-11T14:56:00.001-05:00

The beautiful face.

The silly face.

The grumpy face. (my personal favourite)

The surprised face.

The "cheeeeese" face.

A New Year

2008-01-01T15:41:00.001-05:00

Tea parties, duck racing, stroller-pushing, eating, drinking, walking, fireworks, music, more eating, more drinking, cranium, champagne, xbox, and finally sleeping...a great new year's eve with friends.

Random Holiday Shots

2007-12-29T16:24:00.000-05:00

Yeah Candy Canes!

Why do we only eat these once a year?!

A toddler's work is never done.

Who needs toys when you've got a snow brush?

Chillin like Bob Dylan.

Contemplating whether Shrek 1 is better than Shrek 2....

Christmas 2007

2007-12-28T10:40:00.001-05:00

Happy Holidays

2007-12-17T13:34:00.000-05:00

Today is my first day of Christmas holidays, and Sophia and I have already been very busy and enjoying just being at home. We started the day with some fingerpainting.

Masterpiece in progress.

Sophia was a little hesitant at first to get her hands messy, but after about 2 seconds, she really didn't care anymore.

Sophia and baby shared a chocolate chip each while I baked, and then baby had to get her face cleaned.

Amazing how messy just two little chocolate chips can be.

Sophia is very happy to have me home - she gave me the perfect gift this morning by sleeping in unil 8am which she has never done. What a treat.

I tried to go for a walk with her, but she refuses to actually walk in the snow - she'll only stand in it.

No doubt we'll be having a white Christmas this year.

A Royal Party

2007-12-15T13:55:00.000-05:00

Trouble!

2007-12-04T20:37:00.003-05:00

Don't worry Tia Carolyn - the baby went into the wash and is as good as new.

Hanging Out

2007-11-30T20:08:00.000-05:00

The three of us don't get as much time at home together as we'd like, so we really appreciate the days when we can just hang out and enjoy our space.

Pappa returned from Florida today with a brand new stroller for "mi bebe" as Sophia calls it.

Sophia is really getting into cooking lately - I heard Santa might be bringing her her own kitchen to play with for Christmas - although she'll still probably prefer to use the real thing.

Sophia is also really into cleaning these days - give her some water to spray and a cloth to wipe with, and she's a happy camper. She tends to wipe the same spot over and over though, so some parts of the house are much cleaner than others.

It's great to finally be at the stage where Sophia can play right along with her cousins.

If Sophia gets her hands on the camera, she hands it to us and then stands and says cheese, indicating she wants us to take her picture - as seen above.

Dancing is another favourite past time these days - but there's no observing allowed - everyone in the room has to participate as well. There's only so many times you feel like "putting your left hand in", but it's all a part of the parenting territory.

Welcome Finley!

2007-11-20T20:49:00.001-05:00

I love you already and can't wait to meet you. Good work Si and Jen.

A few more from Cuba

2007-11-18T21:24:00.001-05:00

Baby Update!

2007-11-18T10:39:00.000-05:00

I have no pictures to post yet, but have to congratulate firstly Kristy and Rob who gave birth to a healthy baby girl and secondly to cousin Jennie and Simon who gave birth to a healthy baby boy - I was only away for a week and have returned to all this wonderful baby news!

Cuba

2007-11-18T10:00:00.001-05:00

We are back safe and sound from Cuba - had a fabulous time. We didn't get to bed until 3am so I am too tired to post any creative antecdotes but here are some of the many pictures we took over the past week.

Sophia was an angel on the plane and she and I were able to sleep while the sun set around us.

Sophia and Meghan enjoyed some swing time one afternoon.

Sophia and I on one of the fantastic streets of Havana.

Two tired girls after an afternoon beach wedding.

Havana is a must-see for anyone travelling to Cuba - it's like stepping back in time.

Sophia and her Abeulita had a great time in the pool.

Our resort was very child friendly.

A family shot in the pool. We tended to frequent the swim-up bar located behind us.

Sophia contemplating the ocean.

There's nothing better than watching the sun go down on a beach.

Sophia didn't really like getting wet, so the floaty device helped keep her above the water.

Frolicking in the waves.

On the bus to our resort - notice there are no car seats - I had a mild stress attack any time we did some travelling in cars, but all our travels were safe ones.

Just about to eat lunch - I existed on bread and butter (and cerveza) for the week, but Sophia had no problems enjoying the all inclusive buffet.

Heading to the airport...

2007-11-10T11:12:00.000-05:00

We are just about to leave for a week in Cuba (yeah!) but I thought I'd better post some recent pics before we go. (and before I pop some valium to get me on the plane.) Hopefully we'll have some sunny pictures to post next weekend.

Sophia was a bit hesitant of the carving ritual at first, but eventually had fun playing in the pumpkin goo.

These are the only Halloween pictures we have from this year - she refused to wear her costume. But she did discover Smarties for the first time - they were a hit.

Sophia likes to do everything her dad and I do - here she is wearing my sneakers.

Fall

2007-10-26T18:11:00.001-05:00

Sophia and her cousin Olivia "helped" out with the raking last weekend. They both worship each other - I didn't even tell them to put their arms around each other like this - they did it on their own.

Such cuties.

One of Sophia's favourite things in the world is this dog, Beatrice - Sophia calls her "Bees".

My beautiful girl with the wild hair.

Sophia looks so big to me in this picture - she's all toddler now and sometimes I wish I could put our lives on slow motion a bit so we can have more time to enjoy her.

Sophia and her buddy Cole enjoyed a play date last weekend - they are starting to pay more attention to each other now.

Saturday with Sam

2007-10-13T18:17:00.000-05:00

Catching Up

2007-10-13T17:53:00.000-05:00

It's been too long since I've loaded some pictures onto the computer, but I had some time tonight to do so - her are a few (or more) of the past few months in the life of Sophia...

Sophia has become quite fond of her "babies" - here she is giving them a drink.

Sophia enjoyed helping her dad collect the leaves in our back yard the other day.

Here she is taking a break from the leave-collecting.

This is Scott in the shed - he deep fried the turkey for Thanksgiving - I'm still not convinced that this is a safe way to cook, but everyone raved about how good it tasted.

Here's the kids enjoying a hot tub at Nana and Papa's condo.

Sophia really developed a liking for ice cream over the summer - here she is enjoying a cone on the porch.

Livvie and Papa also enjoyed the dickie-dee man.

Sophia and Liv enjoyed a ride on Liv's 4-wheeler. Is there anything in this world that doesn't have Dora on it?

While we stayed at my sister's house during our move, Sophia borrowed some of her cousin's clothes - I loved her in this pink robe.