Multi-day, multi-person New Year's day prep

The kids both got behind the planning and prep. Before all of us head off to various NYE parties. 

52:52

Wherever, whenever, Sophie loves to read and managed 52 books in 52 weeks. Hats off to that wonderful and enjoyable achievement!!

 

Christmas

Some pre-Christmas fare (complete with our storybooks, of course)

Ever the good sport!

It was an evening for vegetarian tourtiere and brussel sprouts!!

Back on Fern, the dog kept the hearth warm - and this year's weird seasonal treat was taste testing vegan eggnog; we even found a good one!

Stolen stollen

On a whim, some rather tasty stollen was made in the run up to Christmas

Aren't they beautiful?!

Except that doggo ate 2/3s of one when left alone...

Very apologetic doggo - with no noticeable side effects.

 

As soon as the Nutcracker was done...

It was time to get her 2nd ear re-pierced

Listening carefully to how to keep it uninfected...

 

Twas a family affair

Despite the risk of COVID and a rather small cast of dancers (and thus, parents to volunteer) the show must go on. After 10+ weeks of rehearsal (and some late choreography), Sophie and her fellow ballerinas pulled off a terrific Nutcracker. And if we had 4 people in the audience (over 4 shows), we must have 16 or so! Mum was on props and Dad did the set. Both baked and Sophie just danced and danced (5 roles?)

With all the final year dancers and Ms Bouman

 

The annual reveal yourself

That cringy but exciting day in December when Spotify reveals what we have really been listening to and the kids pounce on and share it

...

 

It's true

There are far more photos of Sophie than her sibling this year - but she is still living at home! 

We love you, Sebba!!

How Sophie's school days go

 

Sophie and her main partner in crime!

The running genes don't come from the maternal side but we get to claim the sports gear nevertheless!

Attacking the advent calendar

 

Lucky us, a Sophie round-up

When she chooses long green nails but rolls her eyes at us!!

Adoration 101

A different sort of adoration (that she has imparted to her bestie)

Still willing to "sleep over" sometimes

a look that belongs in the Matrix, perhaps

 

So many birthdays!! 2022 v3

 We celebrated 16!! with Sophie's uncles who came with gems and a pocketknife - and sparklers (there must be sparklers!!)

Opening her requested denim overalls

In October

Sophie ran and ran and advanced one level in the run-offs. Yay, galpal!!

Dad was there to cheer her on (and our immediate neighbour Lindsay who coaches at another high school)

OK, this was actually September...

Pals convened for some fun and dinner!