Peter and the Wolf

Over the last month Sophie's class has been reading and listening to Peter and the Wolf and learning about the various instruments that are played, in part by trying to play them themselves. Here she is trying each of them out: 

Clarinet

Flute (after mom's own heart here)

Oboe. I'm not sure what is better here, the extension of her tips to reach the reed, or the unique way she has chosen to wear her headband. She has her own style - what can I say? 

Violin

Last Day at GTS Toddler House

Today marks Sophie's last day at the Toddler House at Greene Towne School. It seems like only yesterday she started there, and now she'll be among the "big kids" at the Primary School. She's turned into such an amazing, smart and vivacious little kid over the last two years, and I know GTS had a big part in that. Here she is this morning getting ready for her last day (with trusty Benson by her side)!

Here are a few shots of her and the class from this year: 

 The dynamic duo: Sophie & Claire

NC VA Vacation

We just got home from a weeks vacation down south. Our good friends Carl & Amanda moved to Winston Salem, NC last year and we finally got down to visit them. Sophie had a fabulous time with their daughter Gianna, who is older and therefore much more fun than any of us to hang out with.

The very first thing they did when we arrived was to pull out the fancy dress clothes. Perfect for swinging... white gloves and all.

 We went for a "walk in the woods" (not quite a hike with the little ones), and Gianna was sure to show Sophie the way. Of course, she couldn't do everything that big kids can do - like stream jumping. One day...

Before and after NC we stopped into Charlottesville to break up the ride. My dad hung the swing that was his, mine & Becky's and now Sophie & Lauren's in the backyard. Sophie enjoyed it very much. 

This was a week of many firsts for Sophie. Here she is tasting her first honeysuckle. 

Group shot with Grandma. 

After the second swing through of Charlottesville we headed to Shenandoah, Va. where we rented a cabin for a few days with my parents. They had a canoe at the house that Dave and Sophie went out in it a few times.... her first canoe ride. 

Dad, Mom & Lauren

Another first... Sophie's first fish! And the only fish caught the whole weekend. With a stick, fishing hook and dental floss no less! 

And the last - and probably most enjoyable first - Sophie's first s'mores experience (which was actually on the deck at Carl & Amanda's house). Here's a shot of Pap Pap giving her some instruction at the cabin. 

Me and the girls... 

What a great vacation! Relaxing and adventurous all in one week.