More Photos of Sophie and her cousins after the Christening

Sophie and John in a duel.

Sophie and Caroline.

Low bridge, everybody down...

Sophie and I went to the Erie Canal Museum yesterday. We had passed over the canal several times during our drive through New York State and she wanted to know what "river" it was. When I explained that it was a canal and that people actually made it, she was confused. I figured it was easier to bring her to the museum then to try and explain the entire thing myself.

The museum is in the historic Weighlock Building, the only building of it's kind that still stands in the United States. As is the case with most people, Sophie was amazed that a canal used to run right through the middle of the city of Syracuse and that it is currently a paved street. All the way back to her Aunt's house, she kept asking, "was there water here"? You can click the picture below to see some great "before and after" pics that explain a little of what I mean.

Inside the building, canal boats would get weighed and then pay a toll to pass along the canal. There is a replica of a real canal boat in the weighlock. This was the highlight of her visit and she spent almost a half-hour "steering" the boat. She watched a lot of films about the canal and it's construction and even played a game where you virtually dock, weigh and collect tolls from canal boats. It will be interesting to ask her about this in a couple days to see how much of her experience she retains.

Visiting with Family and Friends

Sophie met one of her two new cousins yesterday. She was very excited that we let her hold Catherine. Earlier in the day, Sophie, Ruby and George posed for pictures. George didn't want his picture taken.

He scowled and held a sort of protest until Sophie decided to try and make him laugh.

Sophie enjoys hanging with George and Ruby.

Sophie, later in the day, coloring with cousin Lauren.

Welcoming in the Year of the Rabbit

The Blizzard of 2011

The third snowiest day in history for Chicagoland. The OP schools had two consecutive days off. They hadn't had a day off before this since 1979. It is going to be a while before the snow and memories from this storm fade away.