Razor Racer

There's nothing like living across the street from two older boys. Sophie looks up to all older kids and is always interested in what they are doing. This evening, Sophie wanted to play with the "big boys" and asked to ride one of their scooters. It was impressive to see her hold on tight and maintain her balance while we took turns pushing her on the Razor. Even as we leaned the scooter to make turns, she was still staying on. Of course, you've got to throw in just a tad bit of "girl" with the mini-skirt.

Sophie takes after Daddy with her thrill-seeking ways! Watch out world!

Excuses, Excuses

Sophie is so much fun these days! A day doesn't go by without us cracking up from the comments that fly out her mouth! Over the past month she's been coming up with reasons to get out of the crib and postpone going to sleep. We go through our nighttime ritual, so half of the excuses we've already done, but she asks for them all over again. Picture this - every night when the lights are off, she's cuddled up in her crib, then Sophie has at least one request. I decided I had to document them all before I forget.

* Mommy, I need a drink of water.
* I need to go potty.
* Mommy, cover me with blanket.
* Mommy, cover Pooh with his blanket (or Piglet, Tigger, etc).
* Mommy, cover my feet.
* Mommy, I need to brush my teeth. (After she's already brushed her teeth, of course).
* I need to blow kisses to Daddy (or Mommy).
* I need to tell Breezy goodnight.

But, the next one tops them all.

* Mommy, cut my nails. They are too long.

Mall Madness

Last week, we went to Houston for a wonderful visit with my family. It was Mary's birthday which gave us an extra special reason to celebrate. After a relaxing Saturday morning, we packed up Sophie to go to the double-decker carousel in Memorial City Mall. Ever since San Diego, Sophie's been chatting about "riding the deer carousel," so we knew this had to be on our agenda in Houston! There wasn't a deer, but she was plenty happy with the tiger (Daddy's favorite animal). As we imagined, Sophie got on and kept wanting to ride it again and again. Our little cookie is a bright one. After only one ride, she figured out where the token dispenser was located and would ask us for money so she can get a ticket! Yiayia, David and I took turns in order to keep up with the little one!

After at least a half dozen rides on the carousel, Sophie got a special treat... an ice cream shake.

I think the shake gave her a sugar-high so she could run around the playhouse. The amazing thing to me is how much more confident and adventurous Sophie has become in four months. As she grows older, she's becoming more and more a little person! Sophie was going across bridges and down ramps she didn't attempt the last time we visited! She was absolutely exhausted at 2pm but kept asking for more rides. Where do kids get their energy???

After a delicious dinner at Bistro Vino, we decided gelato was the way to go for dessert. Of course I was in heaven as I'm always up for trying new gelaterias! Sophie insisted on "pink ice cream", so we introduced her to the yummy flavor, only kids could love, of bubble gum. After we managed to convince her she was all done with her ice cream, Sophie relaxed on Yiayia's lap.

Up Close & Personal

Every year I have to ask Jenn for birthday ideas for Hannah. However, this year for Hannah's 7th birthday, I was excited to come up with my own idea and give her a ticket to Dining with Shamu. For those of you who don't know, a nominal fee and a reservation can put you behind the Believe show stage pool and right next to the close-up pool for a buffet dinner. Sophie and I drove to San Antonio to take Hannah to this unforgettable experience. We have the best table in the house -- front and center next to the pool! It was incredible to be eating and watching the killer whales swim and do tricks no more than 5 feet away from us! Sophie, of course, looks up to Hannah, so it was cute to see the two of them interact in such a setting.

The kids were sweet to pose, so I could snap a picture of them during the "mini-show":

Sophie, 2 going on 12, wanted the map so she could tell us where to go. It's much easier to let them help! She was very intent on reading it and pointing to different landmarks: