First trip to the beach

Sophia made her first trip to the beach on June 15th. We were invited by Heather and Todd who also adopted their daughter when we adopted Sophia. We first met them during our very long wait to bring home our daughters. We became friends through the adoption process and traveled to China together. Sophia and Katlyn have gotten together for playdates since we have been home.

The beach was wonderful. The town had a quaint feel to it. It was a bit cloudy on Friday and Saturday but we didn't mind at all. Sophia loved the water and playing in the sand. This girl knows no fear. She walked right into the water. She was not tentative in the least bit, even after she fell down and swallowed some sea water.

She really liked playing with Katlyn. They tended to follow each other around copying each other. It was really cute. They are beginning to get the concept of sharing.

Once the girls got to bed the adults enjoyed good conversation and a mean game of Mexican Train. We reminisced about this time last year when we hadn't even had our referrals yet. Our families lives had changed forever. We are all so glad to have our babies home and having the long wait behind us.

A Fun Weekend with Grandma Barb and Cousins

Sophia and Anne took a road trip to Connecticut from June 1-June 4th. It was a lot of fun. We pulled into the hotel at about 1:00 AM on Friday morning only to find out they were out of portable cribs. This was a nightmare. Sophia had slept the whole way down and now was up and ready to play. She thought that jumping on a King size bed was so much fun. She was full of energy. Needless to say, Anne was ready to hit the hay. After several hours of jumping Sophia wore herself out and fell asleep. She awoke bright and early Friday morning.

We went to Grandma's house and then had lunch out with her. We picked up Stephanie at school and then went to a farm and had ice cream. Sophia had a frozen ice treat. It was cute to see Sophia follow her cousin Stephanie around looking at all the animals.

Sophia, Stephanie and Hollie enjoyed spending time together over the weekend. She kept telling the girls "Come on" as she led them around to the toys she wanted to play with. We all went swimming at the hotel pool. The girls even took baths together.


Grandma Barb was thrilled to spend time with Sophia. Sophia enjoyed the time as well. She very generously feed her cookies to grandma, even if it meant putting them in Grandma's mouth when one after another. It was very cute to watch.

It is very important to me that Sophia develops relationships with her grandparents and cousins. When I (Anne) was growing up we visited our grandparents every Sunday. All my aunts and uncles would be there with so I really became close to them and my cousins. I think family ties are important but it seems that in today's world it isn't valued as much. We are all spread out and busy that it is often hard to make the time. It is really a shame. The benefits of feeling like you belong to an extended family are so plentiful. I am really trying to be sure Sophia knows her extended family. Not only have I made several trips home, I am in the process of creating a small memory book for Sophia with pictures and memories of her family and friends. This way she will get to see those who live too far to visit on a regular basis.