Happy 4th!

Good Morning! This girl is ready to celebrate!

Sophia was so excited to have Aunt Kate visit for the day!

Sophia collecting rocks for Aunt Kate.

Blowing bubbles

Later in the evening, Grammy and Pop picked us up to take us to Graves' Mountain Lodge for fireworks. This would be Sophia's first real fireworks since last year she slept through the festivities in Vermont. We talked a lot about fireworks on the way to Graves' and Sophia loved saying, "BOOM" followed by "oooo" and "ahhh".

Checking out the sites with Pop.

Checking out the treats with Grammy.

Yum!

Sophia was all ready for the fireworks until they actually started. She never cried but kept saying, "Go" and "car" while pointing to the exit. I got the point, so for the remainder of the display we sat in the car. All was well.

Overall, I think Sophia had a great day and she played the part of a firecracker beautifully. :)

Happy Father's Day(s)

Sophia loves her Pop.

"DD" and his girls before church Sunday morning.

We had a nice day celebrating with Pop and "DD" on Father's Day. We went to church (where Sophia stayed in the nursery the entire time all by herself :) and we enjoyed a nice lunch together afterwards. Of course, we missed Raph who was finishing up his last week in Nicaragua but we were so happy to have a short but sweet visit with him the next weekend.

Raph giving Sophia her souvenir airplane from Nicaragua. She loves it!

Walking with Daddy.

Raph's beautiful orchid in his classroom.

Helping Daddy water his plants.

One happy girl!

Raph was only home for about 12 hours in between his trip from Central America to England but it was so wonderful to see him! Sophia and I were happy girls to have Raph back home and we tried to soak up every minute. Raph is attending another summer of the Middlebury Breadloaf program (Oxford campus) working towards a master's degree in English. He returns home in early August but until then we are so grateful to have Skype and a web cam to keep in touch.

Celebrating Miss Annie Lewis

The girls toasting to Miss Annie Lewis Friday night at a great Italian restaurant in Old Town.

Taking a break from shopping by having some refreshments Saturday afternoon.

"Here's to you"

Ready to hit the town Saturday night!

There's our future bride!

A few weekends back we had a great time celebrating Annie Lewis and her last days as a single girl! Thanks to Kate we stayed in the beautiful and relaxing Lorian Hotel and Spa in Old Town Alexandria - I highly recommend staying there if you are in the area. It was so much fun meeting lots of Annie's college and work friends during the weekend. One of the many highlights of the weekend was dining in a quaint Greek restaurant where plates were broken in Annie's honor and we all danced with the waiters. Annie, you are going to be a beautiful bride and it was so much fun sharing this weekend with you!

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!