Canada

We just back for a quick trip up to Brad & Joan's fishing cabin in Canada. Unfortunately we were only able to stay a few days of the week vacation, but we packed as much fishing, reading and relaxation as possible into those days. Dave was also testing out our new camera lenses, so of the 400 pictures (literally), here are just a few. Of course none can capture the absolute beauty of the area.

There was of course fishing, and a lot of it. Sophie caught her fair share of sunnies, and also one bass! Uncle Brad let Sophie in on his secret - fish with a net off the dock. 

Pap Pap also imparted some knowledge on how to fish with a rod

Dave bought a wake board for the trip and it got some good use as Dan drive him around and around the island

Off the water the other most popular activity is reading. 

And of course s'mores at night! 

And Lauren made some big developmental progress while in Canada too - she is now getting on all 4s and rocking back and forth. She also cut her first tooth (7 1/2 months)! Benson is starting to get a little weary about how quickly she can move toward him, as you can see from his look in this picture.

Group shot! 

The End of Summer Camp

Sadly another summer has almost come to an end - although we're trying to fit as much as possible into what's left. Sophie went to camp at her school, so knew most of the other kids and teachers. She was with the "big kids" this summer, rather than the toddlers. It was a good introduction to being with the big kids, because when school starts in September she'll be one of the younger ones in the class.

Each week camp had a different theme. Outside groups came in to the present to the school, and the kids also took field trips that fit in with the theme. Here are a few of the highlights:

Soph touching a horseshoe crab during "sea creatures" week

 Every Friday they had swim lessons at SWEAT gym. She got really comfortable in the water, which is great. Here she is swimming around on the noodle all by herself (which I've still never seen in person)

And there was lot of fun to be had on the play deck. Notice the beautiful planter in the background that Dave helped to build.

On the last day they got their faces painted. Sophie of course requested to be a princess. 

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