At the beach...

Our first family photo at the beach.

Ready to jump in the water!

I love seeing her tiny footprints in the sand.

She couldn't get enough of the water...

We were able to meet up with some of the Virginia Beach Herndons for dinner. My Uncle Van, Aunt Robin, Amy, and Evan joined us at Rudee's on the Inlet for a yummy meal.

The next morning before Mom and Dad needed to head back we went to the Virginia Aquarium .

That evening, Uncle Van and Aunt Robin invited us to their house for dinner. Sophia and Raph keeping Aunt Robin company in the kitchen.

On our last day, we got up early and headed to a quiet part of beach. It was a beautiful morning and we even saw dolphins swimming nearby. Sophia was so content at the beach. The sand never bothered her and she was not intimated to run out into the water.

Our beach baby.

We were able to squeeze in a little family vacation at Virginia Beach last week. Sophia had her first taste of the beach and she loved it! It was so much fun watching her experience the ocean for the first time and to see the excitement on her face.

Mom and Dad joined us for the first part of our stay and we were also able to see my Aunt, Uncle, and some cousins.

It was a wonderful vacation...

(At the bottom of the blog is a short video of Sophia enjoying the beach...)

Homecoming 2010

We enjoyed a wonderful day at Rhoadesville for Homecoming.

Swinging with Bridget.

Grammy and Sophia

I love this picture of Mom and Dad with Sophia.

Finally, Raph is back home! Posing with his happy girls.

Sophia had a great time meeting Little Paul.

sliding...

relaxing...

talking...

and playing.

Raph returned from England just a couple of days before Homecoming. It has been a long summer with Raph away and Sophia and I were so happy to get him home. While in England, Raph completed his fourth year in the Bread Loaf program getting him one year closer to earning his masters in English.

After the church service, Mom and Dad had the family over to enjoy games and yummy homemade ice cream. It was such a relaxing afternoon catching up with family. Sophia loved playing and spending time in the country.

Catherine and Shannon come to visit!

Before heading out of WFS Wednesday morning we stopped by the chapel and Sophia made herself comfy on one of the pews.

Catherine was one of the bridesmaids in our wedding and it was fun to reminiscence about our special day and to show Shannon around the chapel.

We had a wonderful morning site-seeing and touring around Montpelier.

Catherine and Shannon getting cozy with James and Dolly Madison.

Sophia loved sharing the backseat with Catherine who kept her very entertained on our way to and from lunch.

Smelling the basil outside of the Stonefire Kitchen.

Thursday morning Sophia put on quite a show for her new friends!

Taking a walk.

And, saying good-bye...

A few days before Raph got home (yes, Raph is home!!) my dear friends, Catherine and Shannon came to visit while on their way to a wedding. It was wonderful catching up and introducing these ladies to Sophia. It only took a little time for Sophia to warm up and then Catherine, Shannon, and Sophia were buddies! She is still talking about her new friends!

Catherine shared these great photos from our visit. I hope we get to see Catherine and Shannon again very soon!