Christmas 2011 and Sophie's 3rd Birthday

Happy 3rd Birthday, Sophie! Its so strange to think about our life here her perspective - she doesn't know any other home. We just can't believe how big she's gotten over the past 2 years.

Christmas Dinner!

Opening presents! The girls loved the little gifts they got from each other.

Dad really wanted to go to the Sherlock Holmes museum and so off we went! Sophie and I joined Noni and Papa and we had a great time at this little attraction. Good suggestion Papa!

No time like the present to get writing about events from 7 months ago!!

Because of our extended holiday over the 2010 summer to MN/IA we asked around to see if anyone was interested in visiting us this Christmas instead of us staying here by ourselves. To our surprise, my parents were happy to make the flight and stay for Sophie's big day too. Record snowfall and ice nearly sidetracked them on their way here and definitely changed their plans to go north for a few days to York. One thing I should make clear is that when I say "record snowfall and ice", I mean one or two inches of snow that melts right away and refreezes - nearly a daily occurence in MN 6 months out of the year. The difference is that there are no snowplows and NO ONE owns a snow shovel in London. So 1 inch here equals about 18 inches in MN. I am not exaggerating when I say this place shuts down.

Regardless, my parents were able to see the charm of London at Christmastime and Sophie had a little party with some important people in her life! The girls got a dollhouse from Tim and I, college money from my parents (yay!) and barbies, polly pockets, dress-up clothes and books from many generous friends and family. We had a lovely time!