Soaking up our last days in Vermont...

Heading to the theater for date night. Indira Cope, our friend from WFS, is studying at Middlebury and generously volunteered to babysit for the evening.

Sophia and I enjoying the beautiful VT weather on the deck.

At the beach - Sophia is people watching --

Daddy and Sophia getting ready to hike to Falls of Lana.

"Dad, do you know how to read this thing?"

Looking at the Falls

After the hike and heading the park.

It's hard to believe that our time in Vermont is coming to an end - this past weekend Sophia and I stole Raph away from his final papers to go for a hike and to enjoy the beautiful Vermont scenery. This week however, when Raph did have to go to classes, Sophia and I enjoyed many hours outside in the baby pool, at the beach, and walking around Kampersville. Kampersville is a "campy" little campground about two minutes from our house where there is always a lot to see. Also, Raph and I were able to have our first date night since Mom and Dad were here. We saw The Changling produced by Bread Loaf students and Equity actors from all over the country.

So...one week and counting until we make the journey back to VA!

The Poet of Bread Loaf

I am so proud to report that Raph was just announced the 1st place winner of the Bread Loaf School of English Robert Haiduke Poetry Contest! Students at all of the Bread Loaf campuses — in Vermont, New Mexico, North Carolina, and England — were invited to submit original poems and Raph won with his poem, My Grandmother's Elephant. Poetry submissions were judged by two Bread Loaf faculty members: David Huddle, professor of English and published poet and fiction writer at the University of Vermont, and Paul Muldoon, a Pulitzer-Prize-winning poet and Howard G.B. Clark '21 University Professor in the Humanities at Princeton University (and who recently appeared on the Colbert Report). Raph was so honored with this recognition and needless to say, I couldn't be prouder of him! Way to go Raph!

Up the stairs we go!

"Here I go!"

Working hard

Almost there!

Yeah! She did it!

Sophia has a new skill - climbing stairs! All week long we have watched Sophia navigate the staircase all by herself - no worries, Raph and I are never too far behind! Sophia became interested in the stairs when we first moved into our Vermont home and now she has mastered them! I remember when my friends posted about their little ones stair climbing and now we have our own little climber! It is amazing watching Sophia discover new things and every day brings something new - I wonder what will be next!

Anna's photography

These are some of my favorite photos Anna took while she was visiting us in Vermont. Enjoy!

Anna comes to visit!

Going for a walk after Anna's long trip to Vermont.

The girls waiting for pancakes and Sophia intrigued by Aunt Anna's socks.

Marble Works Falls. Anna, with her camera, took some amazing shots of Vermont during her stay.

The Sydnors

Aunt Anna gives Raph and me a break by wearing Sophia for a while. Look at that happy traveler!

Anna, Raph's sister, made the long trek to Vermont for the weekend and it was wonderful having her here. During her stay, we were to keep the rain away enough to do some sightseeing where Anna took wonderful pictures of the area. I will have to post a sampling of her photography soon. We hope it won't be too long before we see Aunt Anna again.

Fun with Grammy and Pop!

Sophia was so happy to get some real quality time with her Grammy and Pop while they visited us in Vermont. Here is a little sampling of Sophia enjoying her beloved grandparents...

Grammy and Pop standing in front of the view from our house.

Sophia enjoying some of the treats Grammy and Pop brought her.

With Grammy, Bun-Bun, and her favorite new toy, a Stegosaurus

Grammy and Sophia getting ready to go to dinner.

Sophia with Pop.

Pop giving Sophia her first sip of lemonade. Yummy!

Reading with Grammy.

Playing "horsie" with Grammy.

Sophia sporting the sweater that Grammy made for her.

Pop helping Sophia down the slide.

Sophia with her proud grandparents in Middlebury.

Peek-a-Boo with Grammy

Lake Dunmore - Sophia's first boat ride!

"Won't you let me take you on a...lake cruise?"

Ready to get on our Pontoon boat for a evening cruise around the lake.

Posing with the Captain. Yes, it's my Dad. Not only can he fly a plane he can drive a boat like a pro as well.

Enjoying some snacks on the ride

Sophia loving her first boat ride

Getting off of our chariot.

Mom and Dad treated us by renting a Pontoon boat Sunday evening. It was great to take a tour of the beautiful lake with Dad as the Captain.

A day on Lake Dunmore at Branbury State Park

We went to Branbury State Park to enjoy the sunshine and the beautiful mountain surroundings. The park is a perfect place for hiking, paddle boating, swimming, and relaxing. The park continues to be one of our favorite places to go in Vermont and it's only about a five minute drive from our house!

Our little water bug

Yeah, this is the life! Please note the tutu. How could we resist this bathing suit!

The girls take a tour of the lake

The guys take a turn

Sophia and Grammy

Sophia with Grammy and Pop