Fall is...

giggles...

brand, new crayons...

decorations...

new shoes...

playgrounds...

sing-alongs...

and, story time in footed pajamas.

Popsicle party

Check out Em's blog, Little Bits, on my blog list to see an update and photos from WFS Popsicle party a couple weeks ago...

A fresh start

Like most people, I love Fall. It is my favorite season and I have been looking forward to it even more this year because it was a loong summer and I was ready for a fresh start. As the weather gets cooler, I can't wait to pick apples and carve pumpkins and break out the wool sweaters. WFS football games and trips to Graves Mtn. Lodge and Carter's orchard are also on the agenda.

There is an excitement in the air with the start of a new school year. Raph is back in full swing with his classes, etc. and I am back at the studio teaching three classes. In fact, my Jr. I Performance Co. already had their first performance over the weekend! Sophia and I have started attending the Fall story time at the library and a toddler sing-a-long at Four County Players in addition to play dates and fun around campus.

This Fall, Sophia turns 2 and as cliche as it sounds I keep asking, "where did the time go?" She is not our baby anymore, she's our little girl. Sophia is much more independent now and expresses freely what she likes and dislikes. She is talking more and more each day and has the greatest little imagination. Sophia counts and sings and jumps and plays and gives us so much joy. Her latest tricks include spelling her name and shouting, "Bonjour, Daddy!"

Sadly, my camera battery is on it's last leg so I haven't taken as many photos as I would like. But here are a few...

Sophia said, "Tutu, please Mama!" How could I resist?

I love this picture of Sophia and Harper during their tea party. These girls drank "tea" like little ladies!
(Sophia is wearing her peacock costume from last Halloween. Isn't that what you would want to wear to a tea party? ;)

Sophia enjoying her treat at the opening Popsicle party for the WFS kiddos.
(Thanks, Em for the sweet photo!)

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!