Lauren's Getting so Big!

Lauren was 7 months last week and is turning into a little kid before our eyes! She's sitting all on her own now.

 And we had her in a highchair at a restaurant for the first time last weekend down in Rock Hall, MD.

 And yesterday she rode in the Kelty backpack for the first time. We hiked through Wissahickon and she just hung out, taking in all of the nature around her. This was also the first hike that we've done where we didn't have to carry Sophie for part of it. Before we know it they'll be be running along side of us!

Ocean City 2013

Over the 4th the Coughlins and Rainers had their traditional summer vacation in Ocean City. Sophie stayed with them for the entire week and enjoyed being the most spoiled little grandkid there was. Lauren and I came down for a few days at the end of the week. While the weather the first part of the week wasn't great, the weather at the end was perfect! Lots of beach sitting, cocktail drinking, book reading, bike riding, treasure burying and just relaxing.... ahhhh. I have about a million pictures, and here are just a few of the highlights.

Lauren's first real beach day. She wasn't a fan of the water, but didn't mind hanging out in her chair or on the lap of her relatives. 

 Sophie is a true beach bum. She could be down there for 8 hours straight, and still not be ready to leave. She had a blast playing by herself, making friends, and running in and out of the water. 

And what's a trip to Ocean City without renting a surrey?

The whole crew (sans James, who is taking the picture)

 After the week was over, Becky, James, Mom & Dad and all of us visited with Kathy & Dave at their new house in Rock Hall, MD. Here's Sophie helping Dave and Uncle Ed to clean a fish. She's quite the little helper. 

Zoe Turns 18!

On June 28th Zoe turned 18! Her grandparents threw her a surprise party - and she was really surprised. It was at the Ocean City Yacht Club, and a whole slew of friends and family turned up to celebrate. 

Here's the birthday girl with Dave

 Zoe, Sophie & Me

Cousin embrace! 

6 Months Old!

Lauren had her 6 month check up last week. She's doing great and getting big! 16lbs and 26 inches long. Here she is in her 4th of July outfit!

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.