Carlisle Pennsylvania

Last Wednesday, John, Brenda and Sophia made a trip to Carlisle, Pennsylvania to the Army War College. They traveled there to attend the annual Jim Thorpe Sport's Days. The event pits students from the Army War College, Naval War College, Air Force War College, the National War College and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces against each other in various sports.

After the long drive, the first stop was at the Residence Inn. Sophia had a great time playing in the pool the first night there. This was the first time Sophia has been swimming.

Showing off her new bathing suit.


Going for a dip with Mommy.


Working on her tan poolside.

Sophia also liked the hotel room because she got her own crib, just like at home.

Sophia enjoyed the bathtub.

On Thursday, the Army War College sponsored a guided tour of the Gettysburg Battlefield. Since the weather wasn't very nice, Sophia and Daddy stayed at the hotel, while Mommy went on the tour.

Brenda poses near General Reynold's statue...should she really be standing in front of that cannon?

Harvey and Wanda accompany Brenda on the tour!

On Friday, the family attended the opening ceremonies for the games.

Wanda, Brenda and Sophia watch the opening ceremony.

March on the colors!

Who stuck this hat on me?

The Army mule team from West Point also made an appearance at the opening ceremonies. Sophia quickly made friends!

Go Army???

Nice mule.

Giddy up!!!

After the opening ceremonies the competition began. In the end, Navy ended up getting third place overall behind Army and Air Force.

Run, Navy, Run!

Brenda, Wanda and Sophia cheering on Navy.

Say Cheeese...Sophia has become quite the ham for the camera.

Sophia in her Navy gear getting ready for bed after a long day of cheering on the team. (She is holding onto her favorite toy -- an empty plastic bag.)

Saturday was the last day of competition. Aside from the normal sporting events, the Carlisle Barracks Spouses' club held a Duck Race. John and Brenda "sponsored" five ducks in the fund raising event. The sponsors of the winning ducks won door prizes. Unfortunatly, none of John or Brenda's ducks finished near the top.

Brenda with the ducks swimming behind her.

Sophia enjoying the duck race.

After the duck race, the family jumped in the car and headed back to Newport.

Nana's Birthday Party

Last Sunday, Brenda, John and Sophia had a birthday party for Nana (Brenda's Mom.) It was a beautiful afternoon. Dad, Richie, Cherie and the kids as well as Brenda's Nana were able to make it down for the celebration.

Here is the family enjoying the birthday meal.


Unfortunately, not everyone was able to make it to dinner. Sophia, Vincent and Joe all were too tired and slept through the meal.

Sophia

Vincent

Joe Dirt

After dinner, Sophia woke up and was playing with grammy.

For dessert, everyone enjoyed birthday cake.

Here is the family showing off one of the birthday gifts.

Rich and Dad enjoying some cake.


After dessert and gifts, the family went for a walk around Fort Adams.

Sophia had a great time and is ready for the next party!

Trip to Connecticut

John, Brenda and Sophia made a trip down to Connecticut yesterday to continue looking at potential places to live in the Groton area.
Before heading out of Newport, we had to make a quick stop on the Naval Base to pick up some paperwork. While there, Sophia decided she would like to get her picture taken with one of the coyote decoys that are placed throughout the base. (The decoys are designed to scare off geese.)

Mommy, Sophia and coyote.

Sophia getting a ride.

Sophia's ready for the long ride to Connecticut.

Once in Connecticut, the we decided to stop and get a bite to eat. We chose a little restaurant in Mystic called the Pizza Grille.

Sophia enjoying her apricots.


Sophia's newest trick is feeding herself a bottle.

Heading out to look at houses.

After eating lunch, the next stop was at the base housing office. We had set up a tour of one of the Groton military homes in an area called Dolphin Gardens. Our friend Sally joined up with us for the tour as well.

Sally and Sophia.

The ladies in front of the Dolphin Gardens home.

Sally and Sophia inspecting the inside of the house.

The houses in Dolphin Gardens were very nice. Though we are still planning on buying a home in Connecticut, we are not completely discounting the military housing option.

After a day of touring and driving-by houses, Sophia was ready for dinner. The family made a quick stop at Dunkin Donuts so Sophia could eat her dinner.

Sophia eating some more apricots.

Sophia's full and ready for the drive back to Newport.

We then headed back to Newport.

Joe was happy when everyone made it home.

Music Class

Sophia and Brenda started a new music class this week at Music Together of Newport County. This is Sophia's second music class. She attends with all of her friends from Brenda's Mom's group. In the class the kids and moms sing songs and "play" instruments. Here is a short video from a local news channel that describes the class.

Sophia and Mommy getting ready to go to class.

Sophia, Maura, Emma, Madison and River with their music teacher Christopher.

Brenda teaching Sophia to sing.

Sophia singing!