First Ice Cream Cone

While we were at the beach, we took Sophie for her first ice cream cone. Sophie loves sweets; she seems to have gotten her sweet tooth from her mama. Even though she rarely gets treats or dessert, it seemed about time that she actually got an ice cream cone. So we took her to the ice cream store and surprise- she loved it. For the record, she ate the entire thing.

Not sure how to eat it at first, Sophie tackeled it with a spoon



Hmm.. like this guys?

She's a pro now! When she was finished her nose was bright red from the cone pressed against it.

Beach Trip

After the wedding we headed towards the beach and had a wonderful surprise- nice weather! We were shocked that the beach was actually warm, and you could actually wear shorts-gasp! However, the ocean remained shockingly cold, and so most of us only braved the water with our toes. Everyone except Sophie, who proved to have no fear of the ocean and would suddenly run towards it, jump in, and get herself all wet. Carl was assigned the job of watching Sophie in the water as there was no way I was getting in past my ankles. Brr! We all had a wonderful time at the beach, and left with many fond memories. We will have to do it again!


Bekah, Carl and Sophie put their toes in the water

Jonas got a kite and impressed us with all of his tricks that he could do!

Carl running to catch Sophie before she went too deep in the ocean

Jonas and Bekah were so nice to let Sophie play with them. All three worked together to build a sand castle.

Family Picnic

The day after the wedding- and I'm kicking myself because I left my camera at home and did not get a single picture of the wedding-ugh-we all got together for a picnic. Everyone had a wonderful time and it was great to see all the kids playing together. For the record, Sophie ran all of her cousins into the ground and demonstrated how she is busy, busy. In the picture above Meghan is blowing bubbles which was a big hit with all the kids- Austin 18months, Sophie 2, Claire 3, Ali-Lu 4, Bekah 6, and Jonas 9.

Ali-Lu and Sophie coloring together. Ali-Lu was very excited that they were wearing the same dress and kept telling everyone that they were twins.

The boys played a quick game of football, and of course, Sophie wanted to join in. Notice her perfect 3 point stance. Carl is so proud, while I have nightmares that she will be the first girl football player at the high school. Seriously, worried.

Uncle Ralph got a new horse for the kids, and Sophie quickly turned it into a buckin' bronco. She was quite proud that she could get on and off by herself.

Riding around in Uncle Ralph's fire truck. It was a perfect day!

First trip to the Zoo

I have been trying to take Sophie to the Portland zoo for over a year now. However, every time we are in town it rains. Every time. But finally, it happened! We were all in town for Sam's wedding, and so all of Sophie's cousins got to go together. It was exciting and exhausting at the same time. For the most part, Sophie did extremely well and thoroughly enjoyed the zoo. I was a little nervous because waiting in line is unacceptable for this little lady and she will demonstrate how much she hates waiting to everyone in a 30 mile radius. But again, she loved the zoo and aside from trying to climb into the animal cages, did a pretty good job.


Getting up close to see the monkeys.

I brought the stroller with me, and enjoyed pushing it around empty for Sophie was much to busy to sit and relax. Those feet are made for walkin'.

Watching the seals- I could not believe how big they were!

Sophie and Carl watching the Polar Bear. I am excited to go back to the zoo and next time I won't bring the stroller- although I might need it for myself. I wonder if they make adult models?