Zoo Time!

Sophia had her first trip to the zoo this week! We packed up a picnic lunch on Thursday and headed to Como Zoo for a fun family day. Our first stop was a carousel ride, which Sophia loved! There was so much to look at as the world whizzed around in circles. After the ride, we visited flamingos, monkeys, zebras, seals, and fish. Then we ran for the car because storm clouds were threatening. We ate our picnic lunch in the car, and as we ate, rain started pounding the windshield. Whew! We were safe, dry, and well fed. We headed home for nap time.

Look Sophia! We are going to ride on the horsies!

Excitedly waiting to ride the carousel with Dada

Ready to ride!

Ridin' with Mama!

So much to look at!

Riding with Dada. Hold on with those toes, Babe.

Pretty flamingos

Soph watching the flamingos

Sophie's reaction to the zebras. Mouth agape.

Watching the seals swim

So curious about the fishies

So True

4th of July

Sophia and I packed up Saturday morning to head to the Hudson 4th of July parade. We were both pretty sad that Jared had to work and couldn't come. We got all the gear in the car and headed for Hudson. We arrived about 10 minutes before the parade began. I got stuck on Main St (the parade route) and couldn't turn off down any side streets because people were blocking every street! Finally, I was able to turn off and found an excellent parking spot only 2 blocks from where the family was sitting.
When Sophie and I walked up, we were shocked to find Daddy sitting with everyone! He surprised us and took a half-day off so he could be a part of Sophie's first Fourth. It was such a wonderful surprise!

The fam waiting for the parade to start

Sophie was especially curious about the loud fire trucks.

Watching our first 4th parade as a family!

Sophia had loads of fun with the mini bottle of bubbles she got!

Sittin with Daddy watching the marching band

More Goldfish Please!

We have been working on baby signs with Sophia since she was 6 months old (almost 3 months now!). When she woke up this morning, it must have clicked. She has been signing the word "more" every time she eats (without any prompting)!!! She also understands when she's suppose to use it. She signs "more" inbetween bites. She signs it, and then puts more food in her mouth. And, she doesn't do it any other time during the day. I am so proud!

The One-Armed Army Crawl

Praisin'

Sophia praising the Lord baby-style during church last Sunday...

Summer "Firsts"

Sophia had a big day today! We have been trying to take advantage of the warm weather and get out as much as we can. So today, I packed a picnic lunch and we headed for the park.

Sophia's First Picnic:

Lunchtime!
After lunch, we laid in the shade and played for awhile

Smiles
...and giggles
After Jared got home from work, we all ate dinner, took a walk, and then got into our swimsuits and played in the pool. We blew up a bigger one for Jared and me, and Sophia had her own little pool! Hers was warmer though, so I crammed myself into her pool too ;)

After we were cooled off, we got dressed and headed to Sophia's first parade! It is SummerFest in Oakdale this weekend, and the festivities started at 7pm.

Sophia's First Parade:

When the clowns went by...

Picking up candy!

Sucking on a wrapped sucker

After we realized that at some point she got the wrapper off...

A good shot of her blue tongue

First parade as a family!

Waving to the floats

Heading home