July 31

Sophie has been taking a music and movement class this month, and today was the last day. I am sorry about that because she enjoys the class so much. She gets to sing, dance, play with instruments, and just be her silly self. I was glad to catch a few pictures of her having a good time today.

July 30

My first dahlia of the season! We have had quite a heat wave, and I was afraid that my dahlia's wouldn't bloom. Luckily they made it and are gorgeous!! I'm looking forward to more of them and cooler weather.

July 29

The only room in our house that is staying somewhat cool is the great room, which has a little window air conditioner. Sophie loves coloring, so I moved her high chair into the great room and she went to town in her new coloring book. FYI, the clerks at Walgreens will give you a free little coloring book if you have a munchkin with you! I was impressed with how well she's doing holding a crayon.

July 28

My baby is 22 months old today... almost 2 years old! It's hard to believe that time has gone by so fast and so much has happened in her short life. Tonight mom came over to beat the heat and enjoyed playing "horsey" with Sophie. She had a different rendition of the game, and Sophie was all in giggles while they were playing. Sophie sure loves her Gra Gra (and I do too!).

July 27

We are having a heat wave here in the northwest this week. My thermometer here reads just under 100 degrees, and that's at 8:00 in the evening! Thank goodness I have a little window air conditioner that can keep the great room cool... hopefully we can survive the next few days!

July 26

Did I mention that I love garage sales? Our neighborhood had their annual garage sale and I was able to nab a few good things which included this Dora sofa for only $3! I had wanted to get Sophie a sofa (I know how that sounds) for quite some time, but didn't want to foot the $40 bill for a new one. This one is used, but is in great condition. She loves it and spent a lot of time enjoying it this afternoon.

July 25

I went to Marcia's dad's 90th birthday celebration yesterday. Their were lots of people there and they even had entertainment. There was a storyteller and a magician and they both were quite good. It was a hot afternoon, but I enjoyed my time visiting with the family and catching up.

July 24

What a mess Sophie can get into in a few short minutes! She got into all of our old VHS tapes this morning and methodically opened each one, took the tape out, closed it up, and either put it away or put it on the floor. She was having the time of her life, and I just let her have it. I figured that I'd clean it up later and she was being very gentle with everything (like the VHS tapes are that special anyway!). It always surprises me what Sophie finds entertaining!

July 23

Antibiotics and ear drops... something we're not too unfamiliar with! Poor Sophie had a really tough day with a really bad double ear infection. She was very clingy and crying a lot, and with little sleep, she was done! She went to bed at 6:30 and didn't get up again until 7:00 the next morning. She really needed the sleep and is her normal self again!

July 22

Dad and I took a nice walk this afternoon with Sophie. We started at the lake, walked to Historical Park, and then to Falls Park. I took a few pictures while we were there, but forgot my long lens... again, dang it!

July 21

In order to beat the heat this afternoon, Sophie and I headed to the Harry Fains park off of Eastside because it is completely shaded. It was a great idea because she got to play and we stayed cool with a nice breeze among the trees. I got the chance to grab a few pictures of Sophie enjoying herself and this one is my favorite.

July 20

Seriously, can this girl get any cuter? :) Of course I'm biased, but she just looks so sweet in this picture after having her haircut and done. The only downfall is that everytime she gets a haircut, she looks older. I guess that's just the way things go...

July 19

After coming home for church this morning, Sophie and I sat down for some lunch. She got a few bites in, but when I looked over at her, I realized she was starting to fall asleep! I don't think she's done this since she was a bitty infant, so I had to snap a photo of this cutie!

July 18

I have started the Smart Living plan and am working really hard to get myself healthy. It's not technically a diet, but I am eating healthy items in small increments throughout the day as well as exercising to lose weight and get healthier. I have quite the sweet tooth, so my evening snack has turned to fruit rather than cookies and ice cream. I do miss those treats, but the local raspberries are so good right now, they hit the spot!

July 17

Thank goodness for garage sales! Before Sophie's music and movement class we stopped by one garage sale where I found an easel, sit and spin, and pair of crocs all for $5! What a deal! Sophie loves the sit and spin and has already figured out how to use it. She also tried out the easel this afternoon on the deck, dressed in one of daddy's shirts, and had a lot of fun. After awhile, the bubble blowing took precedence, so we'll try painting more another day.

July 16

We spent the morning at Rayna's new home and got a chance to catch up while the kids played. Sophie enjoys observing the older kids and really liked Abby's baby set (I need to remember that for her upcoming birthday!). Their home is great, and the company was even better!

July 15

A glimpse of Olympia's Annual Lakefair carnival from across the lake. I forgot to bring my long lens, so I had to crop this one. It didn't come out too bad if I do say so myself!

July 14

Ah, a nice glass of wine after a trying day... that's all to report.

July 13

Sophie was a messy girl tonight! After a terrible meal that ended up in the trash, Sophie finished off her meal with some cottage cheese and grapes. Then she went right into the tub!

July 12

We returned from Portland this afternoon and made a quick visit to grandma's house. My good friend Rayna had passed down a trike for Sophie to use and she tried it out. She can't quite reach the pedals yet, but can certainly scoot quickly! My mom's quiet neighborhood was perfect for Sophie to fall in love with the thing. She was quite unhappy when we had to take it away so we could go home. Oh the ups and downs of a toddler!

July 11

Sophie and I ventured down to Portland to spend part of the weekend with my cousins Lauren and Andy. We stayed in their lovely new home and had a great time visiting and going to the Oregon Zoo. We took Sophie there last summer, but it was so hot. This time, it was still warm, but much more bearable. Sophie loved seeing the penguins (even though they were so stinky!) and mama and baby elephant. She even got to try out driving a tractor and got a sneak peak at Tears for Fears doing their sound check before the night's concert. We had a great time!

July 10

I tried to get an upside down shot of this lovely plant. Typically, the little stars point down, but I liked to see them from the other direction. It shows that there are a lot more colors to the flowers that you can usually see.

July 9

I'm always amazed at what Sophie can do. Tonight to made the request to blow bubbles, and I assumed she wanted me to do it. Oh no, she wanted to! At first I had the traditional wand for her to use, but she kept sticking it in her mouth. Then I got the fancy Gymboree bubble blower and she went to town. I guess all of her observing while I do it has really paid off! She was able to blow a lot of bubbles quite well! After each time she would happily say "bubbles" with a huge smile on her face. It's the simple things that are most important anyway, right? :)

July 8

Tonight, we went over to my dad's house because Patty and RJ are in town for a visit. It was so fun to spend time with them and for Sophie to to get to know them better. Sophie really enjoyed showing off for everyone and was in great spirits!

July 7

While I was waiting to go in for an appointment, it started to rain. I'm one of those crazy people that like the rain, so I enjoyed it hitting my windshield. It was so peaceful and a happy change from typical summer weather.

July 6

While I was getting some new batteries for Elmo, Sophie pulled out some of her small jars of Play Doh. I plopped her in her high chair and let her explore. She started to play and took a little taste. Right away, she didn't like the taste and didn't try to eat anymore for the rest of the time she played. I showed her how to roll the Play Doh and to use cookie cutters, but what she'd rather put Play Doh back in the containers and take them out. She did this over and over and over again! She played independently for just under an hour! I couldn't believe it!

July 5

Ah, the joy of a toddler. Sophie and I played this evening on the deck with her Little People. It was nice out, but not too warm, so it was perfect. She enjoys picking my flowers and then bringing them to me. I'm not too excited about my flowers getting picked, but who can resist the sweet little gift from a sweet little girl?

July 4

No 4th of July would be equipped without seeing the Tumwater parade. Sophie loved the parade last year and this year was no different. She loved the horses and the dancers, but wasn't crazy about the clowns. She spent most of the time waving, dancing, and waving her flag at the parade participants. It was fun had by all!

July 3

Ah, a hot day, and a perfect day for a beer! I don't drink a lot of beer, but on hot, summer days, nothing sounds better! Corona with a bit of lime... yum!

July 2

Sophie and Will had a play date this hot July afternoon. After some splishing and splashing in the pool, Will asked for Sophie to get into this basket with him. They played in there for a little while, singing the ABC song with Will's little froggy. It was too cute to see them in there!

July 1

Sophie played outside a lot today and spent about an hour in her pool. At first, she wasn't crazy about being in the pool (even though the water had been warmed by the sun all day), but once I added her slide, she was sold. She flew down her slide into the water and thought it was the greatest thing! She got soaked and then felt more comfortable to sit and splash in the pool. She even learned how to climb in and out of the pool, reach for her Little People without falling in, and to go down the slide on her own! She is one smart cookie!