Santa 2014

We went back to the stables that we went to last year to see Santa and his horse. This year however, Lauren was not having any of it. She insisted on being as far away from the man as possible.... and Im pretty sure she's totally unaware of the horse right behind her. Maybe next year, when she realizes he's associated with presents she will be a little more accommodating. Sophie asked him for a doll house this year... we will see if her wish is granted...

Weekend Getaway in Florida

In November Dave had his annual sales meeting in Marco Island, Florida, so we decided to make a little family vacation of it and went down a few days early. We stayed in a beautiful resort and for most of the trip the weather was lovely - in the 80s (while Philly was having their first cold snap).

The happy sisters

We took a nature hike through a national park. We were on the lookout for alligators, but unfortunately never saw one. Lots of birds and other little critters though.

If only we could walk on the beach in November every year! 

Turns out one of my good friends who moved to Florida a few years ago lived just 30 minutes from where we were staying. We were able to get together and I met her son, Myles, for the first time. Here are Lauren and Myles after a marathon day in the pool. 

Halloween 2014

This year the girls were none other than Elsa and Anna from Frozen. Sophie desperately wanted to be Elsa, and poor Lauren was Anna be default. They were not alone. It seemed as if every 3rd little girl we passed was one of the two. The Thursday before Halloween we went to Narberth, the town next to ours, and walked in their Halloween parade. It was very cute. Here the girls are before the big trek...

And the on Halloween we went back to our old neighborhood and met up with some neighbors, including Claire Nestler, the bumblebee...

And of course Claire Marvin, another Elsa. Claire and Sophie had slightly different takes on Elsas hair... 

Joe and Kat Get Married

This weekend Dave's sailing buddy Joe and his long-time girlfriend  Kat, got married at Parvin State Park in New Jersey. It was a beautiful, low-key, outdoor wedding. Dave was in the wedding and his parents were there too.

Joe and his groomsmen, waiting for the bride

The Sharp Family

 Sophie and Lauren were living it up on the dance floor the entire party. Sophie got some extra special time with the bride, who spun her around until neither one could stand straight. 

Lauren in her Preschool Classroom

Its been 3 weeks since Lauren started at Greene Towne School, and she's really gotten into the swing of the new schedule and her classroom. Im told she's an excellent napper and snack and dancing are her favorite activities (no surprises there).

Here she is as the poster child for Montessori

 Putting her leaf on the class tree 

 Her whole class (being a little silly I think). 

First Day of School

On September 2 Sophie started her last year of pre-school and Lauren started her first. Lauren was a little weepy when we dropped her off, but Sophie held her hand an walked her in and that was that. Sophie has been such a supportive big sister and since the first day has walked Lauren into her building (which is separate from Sophie's) every day.

Of the 20 or so pictures I took, heres the best one.

 The big girl on her first day. She looks a lot happier (and older!) than her sister did just three years earlier. 

Last Sail of the Summer

Over Labor Day weekend we took our last long sail and went to Corsica River for the weekend. It couldn't have been more beautiful. We anchored, jumped off the back of the boat, swam around and did some exploring. Sophie and Dave were in MD all week, and she swam every day, so by the weekend she had huge confidence in the water. 

 Benson doing what he does best on the boat...