Raph in Central America

Raph left early Saturday morning headed for Nicaragua with a group of Spanish I and II students for the 4th annual CASA (Central America Study Abroad) program. Check out what they are up to in Central America on Raph's blog, www.wfsCASA.blogspot.com (also under my blog list).

I got to talk to Raph tonight, thank goodness for Skype, and the trip sounds like it's off to a great start. Sophia and I are staying busy but missing Daddy a lot...

Sophia's first parade!

We found the perfect viewing spot - now bring on the fire trucks!

Here it comes!

Yay! Look at those flashing lights!

It was a little warm, but the parade was lots of fun!

After the parade, Grammy, Pop, and DD took Sophia to the fair. Pop won Sophia an Elmo and...

a whale! Thanks, Pop!

I think the highlight of the entire night for Sophia was getting to pet the Dalmatian.

It was so much fun taking Sophia to her first parade! I have great memories of watching and riding in the parade growing up and it was so fun to see our little one get just as excited. We talked a lot about the parade and Sophia was really pumped about the fire trucks! She signed "fire truck" for days before the big event. Mom and Dad were so sweet to let Raph and I head out a little early to have a date night in Charlottesville and to meet up with our friends TJ and Julia. Mom, Dad, DD, and Sophia then hit the fair and I think Sophia was impressed with Pop's skills in playing the games! She had a big night!

Chatty Cathy

Memorial Day weekend

Getting ready for graduation to begin...

Paul, one of my star dancers, poses in the line up.

Sophia getting a quick hug from Daddy.

Harper and Sophia say hello to Bagley and Grazia.

Mason sharing his snack with the ladies.

Sophia ready for her wagon ride.

Pool fun!

"DD" is one of Sophia's favorite people.

Enjoying the porch Monday morning.

The beautiful magnolia bloom Mom had in the house.

Ready to go for a walk.

Proud of her new wheels!

The weekend started out with Woodberry's graduation. It was a cool and overcast morning which made for being out on the lawn so enjoyable. I love watching the procession of the students and faculty into the Residence and hearing the bagpipes always gives me goosebumps. This year Sophia got a little sleepy/cranky so we had to make a quick exit during the ceremony...

After graduation, Raph and Sophia had some father/daughter time so I could go to Richmond with Kate to help Annie with last minute wedding details. It was great being with my girls and it was wonderful visiting with Annie's parents later that evening for dinner.

On Sunday, Sophia and I went to Rhoadesville to spend time in the country with Grammy and Pop. It was nice to relax and Sophia had so much fun taking wagon rides, swinging, swimming, playing at the playground, and enjoying country life. We spent the night Sunday night and on Monday Sophia got a special new toy from our cousins down the road. Thanks Irving and Frances for Sophia's new ride!

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day!

Cousins with our babes

Enjoying the delicious food...

swinging...

and riding. Watch out! Sophia found the gas pedal and took off!

Ready to go see Grammy and Pop Sunday morning.

The girls.

It has been a while since I have had the time to sit down and update the blog. There has been so much going on with end of the year activities that there just hasn't been a lot of extra time. But, everything is great here and I had a nice Mother's Day weekend. We celebrated on Saturday at my cousins house and then with Mom and Dad on Sunday. Unfortunately, Raph had to be out of town but he hurried home as quickly as he could on Sunday evening bearing a lovely card and some cheesecake. Raph also treated me to a pair of five fingers shoes - very comfy!

Babysitting Sierra

A couple of weeks ago we had a great time babysitting Sierra. It was a busy afternoon keeping up with two little girls under the age of two but we had a lot of fun...

hanging out...

reading books...

going for a walk...

running around...

playing by a tree...

having a snack and playing with play dough (hopefully not snacking on the play dough...)

and cooling off by the water table.

Sophia wants to show you...

her new hair do!

Pigtails!!!

Okay, so we are still waiting for Sophia's hair to get a little thicker but I couldn't resist giving her an up do!