Soren's 1st Birthday

Soren had a low-key birthday. He had mac and cheese and peas for dinner and a big piece of cake for dessert. 

He ate a lot!

His gift was a rocking moose, which he loves! Both he and Nora get on and rock.

At one year old he gets into everything. Favorites of his our toilets, polly pockets, my utensil drawer in the kitchen, and electronics. When he sees Lars' computer he shakes his head "no" because he knows he isn't supposed to touch it, however he still goes for it. 

This week he started taking his first steps, but he is far from actually walking. His crawling is very fast. He loves to be outside. When he is inside he wants to be held. He comes up to my knees so many times a day and says "mama, mama". His attention span is short, and he goes from one thing to the next quickly. 

He says mama, dada, no, and "ba" for ball. 

We love him so much. He has brought so much joy into our family. 

Christmas

Santa was nice enough to arrive the day before we left for Utah because he knew we were traveling in a small car. 

Temple square on a very cold night (especially for my California children).

Christmas Eve the children acted out the nativity. Soren was a shepard. His outfit was on for about 10 seconds and then he ripped it off. 

Presents at my parent's house.

Grandma Kathy bought Nora many beautiful things!

Soren fell asleep in Grandpa's arms while we played BINGO.

Grandpa Ramon is very loved by his grandchildren.

Soren was excited for his present.

We gave two nephews Solar toy kits. Lars' sister had the same idea too, so we had many nephew with the same present. Lars sat and built them with his nephews.

Nora and Lars skiing. She is now able to support her own weight and ski by herself. Baby steps:)

Lars took Nora to an art museum. Apparently, she sat and looked at this picture of Christ for a long time.

Because the snow was terrible we went to the new Natural History Museum in Salt Lake. What a great place. I loved it.

We also had a joint birthday party for Gavin (turning 8) and Soren. He gobbled up his little cake. 

Ian and Nora went ice skating. They have been a little young because they didn't last very long.

Christmas time is here...

December was a whirlwind. We were so busy. The first week we were in Guatemala and then we came home and had a lot to accomplish before we went out to Utah for Christmas. 

Nora and I went to the San Francisco Ballet's Nutcracker. She loved it and watched the whole thing. We didn't get home until about 10:30, so it was a late night for her. 

Of course Nora wouldn't get within ten feet of Santa, but I thought Soren for sure won't care. I can give this kid to anyone and he is happy as can be. I was wrong. He immediately started crying.

We were at a friends house for Sunday dinner. Soren and Andrew were scavengers and loved eating off of others trays. 

Gingerbread house. 

Soren and Nora love playing together. 

They played in our car for about an hour, while Lars and I raked leaves. They were in heaven. 

Our very imperfect Christmas tree. Nora decorated our Christmas tree, plus we kept putting more and more ornaments up high so Soren wouldn't break them. For some reason we also have toys in the tree:) 

We spent one Saturday afternoon in the city. Eating, shopping, and ice skating made this day wonderful. 

Part III-Antigua