Sophie at the Cal Poly Pomona Pumpkin Patch

Sophie had a great time picking out a pumpkin at the pumpkin patch.  She can't wait to carve it with her daddy!

Sophie, the Artist

During homework time, Sophie drew a picture of "Rachel and me." Good job!  

There's a Castle in the House!

Sophie's friend Anna Kay gave her a castle (!!!!) for her birthday!  She loves coloring it, and opening the windows  every morning!

Happy Birthday, Sophie!

Sophie had a wonderful birthday party!  She invited all of her girlfriends to a private tea party (even moms  were kicked out of the room at some point!).

After they all dressed up, had their hair, makeup and nails done, the girls were asked to welcome Sophie into her new year as a four year old. Sophie's buddies lined up and let her walk through their tunnel as they threw rose petals in the air.  

All the girls lined up for photos before they headed into the tea room.

Sophie Last Day as a Three Year Old!

Dear Sophie,

Tomorrow you will be four years old.  When I think about how much you've grown this year, I want to start crying! You brought so much joy to us as a three year old, and I know there will be more fun days to come as a four years old.  Yesterday, we bought you a leotard and tights in preparation for your first balled class next week.  You are so ready!

Sophie's Final Swim Lesson of the Season

Sophie showed us her freestyle today!

Sophie Loves Being a Princess

Sophie loves getting all dressed up as a princess!

Sophie Learns a Judo Throw

Sophie's First Bike Injury

 Sophie shows her scraped elbow.  Good thing she was wearing her helmet (brandname:  nutcase)!

Sophie received her first bike injury today (she rounded a turn too quickly, skidded and went flying. . . . and got away with just a scraped elbow.  She cried "just a little bit" and then got right back on her "Lightning McQueen" bike.  She's a tough one. . . .

Favorite Places in and near Downtown Idyllwild

 We love "The Fort" and "Courtyard" in Downtown Idyllwild.  Really laid back during Midweek. . .

 Cafe Aroma is probably our favorite restaurant in town--try their salmon!

 And if you want some coffee, Higher Grounds Coffee Shop roasts their own beans!

 The cookies at Higher Grounds aren't so bad either.  Just ask Sophie. . .

 And if you want a good breakfast, head to Oma's Bakery.

 We love our "cabin" in Idyllwild.  Perfect location, and it's my type of cabin!

Sophie Goes A-Walking Around Lake Fulmor. . .

Sophie Hikes....

 And Ginger Gets to Go Swimming!

Hiking in Idyllwild the next day. . .

Sophie Enjoys Idyllwild's Community Playground

Sophie had a wonderful time at Idyllwild's Community Playground which was literally built by members of the Idyllwild community.  Wish we had something like it where we live. . . .

 Go, Sophie and Daddy!  Who's going to be first up the rope ladder?

Idyllwild!

Tom having a great time making lunch for us--so glad to be away from it all!

 Sophie and Mom checking out the swimming pool and more of the community playground!

Sophie's Saturday in July, 2012

Sophie went to Sarah's Birthday party last saturday and got to water play with Sarah's big sister Anna Kay.  Then, it was off to Little Tokyo.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

Here are some more 4th of July Photos.  Sophie had a great time taking the Metrolink train with parents and Tita Sharon to see the Dodgers play the Reds at Dodger Stadium!  Tita Shelly was part of the action--she got to help unfurl a giant American flag!  Go, Dodgers!

Go Climb a Tree, Sophie!

Sophie says, "I can do it!"