Christmas 2011...

 So this Christmas was a quantum leap forward in sequoia's ability to comprehend what was going on and take an active role in everything. One thing we did early in the season was to stop by the local animal shelter and donate some stuff for the pets.

 We also made sure to make it back to the neighborhood on time later that day as we had gotten word that Santa was going to be visiting down at the playground. Sequoia had diligently memorized her short wish list and did an excellent job conveying those three items to Santa. They were " a unicorn pillow pet, a doll house and a scooter."

 Sequoia helped us pick out the tree and decorate it. She got more and more excited with each passing day.

 Here is a picture she took of the tree.

 One day we went to St. Micheal's after visiting grand mom at her new home. Sequoia loved the Santa reindeer on the bench in front of C-Street.

 Few people wear the colors of Christmas cake icing as well as Sequoia.

 Once the presents started showing up under the tree, Sequoia was beside herself trying to contain the anticipation.

 But before she could open any presents there were a few long car rides ahead of her.

 We spent the afternoon of Christmas eve with the Newberg side of the family at a lovely dinner hosted by my brother Mark and his family.

 And as has become the second half of our Christmas Eve tradition, we spent Christmas Eve evening at Colleen's sister Sherri's families house. we always enjoy the great food, great company and fun walk to see the amazing lights at the tabernacle.

 Christmas morning was very fun. Sequoia has taken to coming into our room to wake us up around 5:30 most days, and Christmas morning was no different. Only after about 5 minutes she says quietly "You know? Today is a special day." We said "Oh Really? what is so special?" she answered " It's Christmas and maybe Santa came." So we all got out of bed and went out to see the tree and the presents that magically had shown up from Santa Clause. She was so excited to see her doll house, scooter and pillow pet sitting between the tree and fireplace.

 She really enjoyed every present she received and took her time opening up each one and enjoying them.

 She got a cute kitty cat hat from her uncle Brian ...and later Christmas day as we drove around looking for a place to eat dinner, Sequoia fell asleep in the back seat wearing it...and the result was hilarious.

 Here she is with her "new" doll house. Notice the small Christmas tree that she has placed in it for her dolls.

And I will end this post with a very nice picture of our tree that was taken by Sequoia.

Of princess castles and dreamland....

 So speaking of changes that will accompany and new baby boy....one of the logistical hurdles will be accommodating two small kids in one very small room. My solution to that was to design and build a sort of two story bed and playhouse to create a somewhat private room within the room to give Sequoia a place that is just hers. The crib and changing table etc... will take up the other half of what was once all hers.

 She loves her new bed and has fully embraced both the fun and practical elements of it...mostly the fun elements.

 This past weekend there were 6 kids ranging from about 3 to 12 climbing, playing and rough housing all over it with laughter and stuffed animals flying everywhere. If it can survive that, it will survive anything.

We will see how well Sequoia adapts to sharing everything when the little guy arrives. We talk about it with her all the time and she actively offers to help paint his half of the room with boy stuff because "boys like spider man." The reality will be a slightly unpredictable learning curve for us all, but I believe that she is as well prepared for the changes as we could ever hope for.

Looking like a big sister.....

 OK....so basically everybody knows this news already, but Sequoia is due to get a baby brother sometime around March 6th. We are all very excited about this, including, or possibly especially sequoia.

 Here are some funny pictures taken today by sequoia using mommy's phone showing her and her baby brother. Mommy may not find them flattering, but I absolutely adore them.

 There will be some big changes coming our way and it will certainly be a new leg of this adventure watching how things evolve. It is an adventure that we welcome with open arms.

Cooking up some craziness...

 Sequoia also continues to enjoy cooking...both imaginary and real dishes.

 Her imaginary dishes are very creative and have included hot dog and broccoli cupcakes.

 Its hard to say no to a chef that is this cute.

 When she is not being creative in the kitchen she can be found hanging out with her animals ... also both artificial and real varieties.

 Or possibly trying out new and creative ways to use our furniture.

 But the new big thing is real cooking....

 and the very real messes associated with real cooking.

 She is actually very careful

 and concentrates really hard when she is whipping up her masterpieces.

She believes everything tastes better with icing and sprinkles.

The queen still lives here...

 Sequoia's love of all things princess continues full force as does her incredible love of being funny and creative.

 She keeps all of us laughing with her antics.

 Her stuffed animals are a constant party to her antics as well.

 And sometimes they all need a nap.....

 Sequoia loves her cousins.....possibly Ryley more than any of them....it is easy to see a resemblance between them, especially in matching princess gowns.

Pumpkins and Lobster Newberg...

 October was delightful after the rainy and chaotic days of September.

 One weekend we took advantage of the weather and drove out to scenic Harper's Ferry to see some fall foliage.

 We had a great time at a Pumpkin Farm fall Festival.

 They had beautiful gardens.

 And a fun playground with scarecrow pirates everywhere.

 Sequoia did an excellent job picking out our pumpkins.

 Riding in the wagon was a big hit with her also.

 We ended the day with a fun hay ride.

 This year for Halloween Sequoia dressed up as a lobster...Lobster Newberg to be exact.

 Mommy was the lobster chef to go along with the theme.

 Here is Sequoia with her two Keira's...friends from her day care.

 Sequoia joined her friends in the annual costume parade at the recreation park.

 And then she and mommy went house to house trick or treating. Sequoia was very good about the entire process, politely saying trick or treat and then thank you and happy Halloween to everyone.

Once again, one of Sequoia's favorite parts was coming back to our house in time to hand out candy to other kids. She really loves being generous. It is a fun thing to see.