Christmas Greetings

Christmas Eve.


For our dining pleasure, we started off with Shrimp Scampi


A drink with oma


Followed by our main entree: Filet with potatoes and mushroom sauce


Wheww...I am free to play! Nothing like full belly!



Christmas Day.

Santa came!






Breakfast with oma.


Playing with cousins





Ahhh...we finally get to relax after a fun filled day.

Happy Birthday Onkel Matz!!

Sofie sends a big "koala bear hug" to you Down Under.

I'm 21 Months Old!!!

Sofia is still singing songs, (she's up to 13 now), but she is singing more songs that she has composed herself, than her learned songs. Talking is also taking up some of her singing time, as well. I can hear her experiment with sounds and words all day long.

Twelve Months Together- -Welcome Home... A Year Ago

Uncle Jim, Janna, and Tante Morrie met us at the airport.


(Meeting oma for the first time. After 28 hours of travel!!)

It's hard to believe that we arrived in the USA one year ago. I learned then that Sofia was a great travel companion, and that she has a very even temperment.

This past year, Sofia has enjoyed being schlept along with me wherever I go. And she always is in a very happy, pleasant mood. What a blessing she is to all of us!

Oh Happy Day!!

One year ago today, at 11:30 am on a very cold day in Almaty, Kazakhstan, my little Sofia was placed in my arms. She was tired and disoriented from the very long train ride from Karaganda. This photo was taken just minutes after she arrived. I remember having to take off layer upon layer of clothing. She started smiling and we knew this was the beginning of a wonderful life together.



Today, we started our own tradition to honor our special day. We put up our first Christmas tree, drank egg nog (or milk nog for Sofie), and listened to the Vienna Boys Choir singing Christmas music. December 11th will always be a special, wonderful day in our lives.

Christmas Caroling

Tonight, we joined our friends for caroling and tree decorating. Sofia loved the music, and the shiny ornaments best.


Ho Ho Ho

Candy Cane Lane

One year ago today, during a snow storm, I waited nervously, hoping the delayed Fed Ex driver would deliver my visa before I had to drive to the airport in the snow to get Sofia in Kazakhstan. It was close, but it all worked out.

And now tonight, Sofia saw Santa for the first time in Candy Cane Lane!!

Christmas Jamboree at the PAC

Tonight, Sofia and I went to a Christmas concert performed by the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. The fun part is that you get to sit on the floor and wear your jammies for the Jamboree.


Sofia and Lily enjoying the music.



Lily and her brother Andrew.

Last Day at Music Class

Today, Sofia completed her first 12 weeks of "Tots I Music Class" at the Milwaukee Conservatory of Music.






Congratulations Sofia!!

Happy St. Nicholas Day

St. Nicholas came to visit last night and left Sofie with some Christmas socks, candy, and an orange. Sofia sure has been a good girl.

Checkin' Out the Snow

Hey, What is this white stuff?


Oh my, it is so cold.......



and wet.

Sunday's Best

Today was soooo cold. So Sofia got to wear her fuzzy warm hat to church. She didn't even try to take it off. Here she is playing, I mean praying just before we went.

Sunshine and Blue Skies

Even though it was cold today, Aunt Carol and I took Sofia to the zoo. There are many indoor exhibits to keep us warm. There is also a wonderful play area. Looks like we'll be heading there more often.