Orlando Trip

Hello everyone, it has been a long time since we have updated the Blog. It has been a very busy month for the family. Since leaving Newport, we have made a trip to Orlanda, bought a new house, John has temporarily moved to Washington DC and we celebrated Sophia's first birthday. During that time, our access to the internet has been limited, so the Blog has lagged behind. This entry is the first in an attempt to catch up. Below is a recount of our family trip to Orlando.

Sophia, John and Brenda flew down to Orlando to meet up with the Spencer's for a family vacation. We were visiting Jason and Erin in their new (temporary) home.

Sophia settled in for her first airplane ride.

Once we landed in Florida, we met up with everyone at our hotel.

Sophia, Jennifer and Elizabeth saying hello.

Erin and Jason.

Cayden was very excited to see us.

The entire family outside the hotel before heading out to dinner.

The next morning, Mom, John, Brenda and Sophia made a trip down to the Florida Mall.

Mom and Sophia at the mall.

We then headed over to see Erin at her work.

Sophia inspecting one of the boxes in Erin's office.

Elizabeth, Cayden and Sophia in Erin's office.

After Erin got off work and Jay got home from school, the family had a cook-out down at Erin & Jay's pool.

Robin and Jay grilling up dinner.

Mom, Cayden, Jennifer, Brenda and Sophia enjoying the view of the lake.

Sophia hamming it up for the camera.

Everyone enjoying the poolside dinner.

Grandma with her three grand-daughters.

Robin, Jennifer and Erin.

Sophia and Aunt Robin.

Sophia after her time in the pool.

After dinner by the pool, we headed back to Erin and Jay's apartment. The family surprised John with a Father's Day cake and gifts.

Mom, Jennifer, Elizabeth and Brenda with their Father's Day cake.

Sophia playing.

The next day the family visited Cypress Gardens.

John and Sophia feeding the the goats.

A baby alligator. (Alligators were a theme for the week.)

Some turtles looking for a handout.

After seeing the animals, it was time for a lunch break.

Sophia, Cayden and Elizabeth at lunch.

The next stop was the kiddie rides. Here are some pictures of the kids (and parents) on the various rides.

The family then headed over to the "gardens" section of Cypress Gardens.

A stern warning!

The family under some overhanging Cypress trees.

The last ride of the day was the merry-go-round. This was Sophia's favorite ride of the day.

Last stop was a photo-op by the Cypress Gardens sign.

The next day the family headed over to a nearby state park.

A picnic lunch. (Sophia is hiding behind the big yellow ball that she wouldn't let go of.)

Another warning!

Sophia and Elizabeth playing in the sand.


The water was very cold!

The next day the family drove over to Cocoa Beach. Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate and we spent most of the time trying to get out of the rain.
Sophia in her bathing suit.

Cayden playing in the rain.

Staying out of the rain.

Graduation Week

The week of June 11th was full of activity for the Spencers as we wind down our time in Newport.

Early in the week, Brenda and Sophia attended the last of their Mom's group get togethers. In the following two pictures you can see all the girls lined up for a photo. The single boy in the group, Thomas Ha, refused to sit in line with the rest of the babies and instead "patrolled" back-and-forth in front of the group.

The girls lined up for a picture with Thomas patrolling to the right.

Thomas patrolling to the left.

Here are a few pictures of Sophia sitting down to dinner. Dad and Sophia spent the evening together while Brenda went to her last Navy spouses' club meeting.

On Tuesday, Tim, Jen, Emily and Benjamin Knoth came to town for a visit. Here are some pictures from dinner on Wednesday night.

Emily, Sophia and Benjamin

Sophia "making friends" with Emily by pulling her hair.

Tim, Jen, Benjamin, Brenda, Sophia and Emily after dinner.

On Wednesday, the Knoth's visited Boston and walked the Freedom Trail. On Thursday, John and Tim ran a 3-mile race together during the day and the families got together for dinner in the evening. (Of note, pictures of these events are forthcoming, contingent upon the Knoths sending the pictures as promised.)

Friday was John's graduation from the Naval War College. Mom & Dad Sasso and Nana made the trip down from Brockton. Patrick made the long drive in from Lee as well.

Sophia with Mommy and Daddy the morning of graduation.

John receiving his diploma from the guest speaker, Admiral Stavridis, and the War College Provost.

After the graduation ceremony, the family went down by the waterfront to get some pictures.

The family then headed over to the Atlantic Beach Club and met up with the Vavasseurs for a celebratory lunch, as Jana also graduated from the Naval War College.

Brenda and Sophia waiting for lunch to arrive.

Patrick, Dad, Mom, Stephen, Dave, Thomas, Paul, Mrs & Mr Null (Jana's parents), Jana, Brenda and Sophia.

Paul got a little tired and didn't make it all the way through lunch.

After lunch, Patrick, John and Dad finished the day with a quick round of golf on a course on Jamestown Island.

Dad and John

Patrick and John