Sasso's Summer Visit

The Sassos made their way from Massachusetts to visit for two weeks (so this is going to be a long post)!

 

 

 

We headed down the road to Quantico to visit the Marine Corps Museum (this picture was not taken by me...although I would have taken it if I had my own helicopter).

 

 

The kids stand at attention as they model Marine Corps uniforms from different eras.

 

 

Sophia carries a 50 lb pack while Gianni begins the obstacle course (nobody told him this was not the obstacle course).

 

 

Liliana tries to decide which uniform to try on.

 

 

The Spencers and Sassos are joined by the Miaganys on this fun adventure.

 

 

Nana, Papa, and Grammie make an appearance as well.  Their favorite part of the museum...the gift shop!

 

 

Daddy, Gianni and Michael head out to get haircuts at the barber shop. 

 

 

Wow, what handsome guys!

 

 

 

Next, some of the gang heads out to see the Washington Nationals play the Pittsburgh Pirates.

 

 

Go team!!!

 

 

It's finally good to be a Pirates fan!

 

 

 

Daddy takes the kids fishing at Burke Lake Park.

 

 

Michael catches a fish after Gianni tells him where to cast his line.

 

 

Michael is pretty lucky today.  How many fish does that make?

 

 

Sophia catches a fish that is just her size.

 

 

 

Grammie enjoys brunch at the Fort Belvoir Officers' Club.  Look how happy she is?

 

 

 

Vinny takes a swim lesson from Coach Beth. 

 

 

 

Can she get him to put his face in the water?

 

 

What??!!  She did it!  Vinny is swimming like a champ.

 

Great job Vin!

 

Sophia's 7th Birthday!

Sophia turned 7 this summer!  She celebrated by bringing a little bit of the tropics to Northern Virgina.

 

 

 

The birthday cupcake is a must on a Spencer birthday.  Though it is hard to muster a lot of enthusiasm at 7am!

 

 

 

Sophia woke up to a pile of gifts on the table.  Auntie Rah-Rah got her a Spa Barbie!

 

 

Yummy breakfast cupcakes.

 

 

Liliana enjoys these bite-sized gems of flavor.

 

 

Sophia gets a certificate for one (pair of) ear piercing.

 

 

We hit the movie theater to celebrate Sophia's birthday with her friends. 

 

 

First we get a tour of the projection room.

 

 

 

Then we gather to head in for the movie.

 

Gianni nestles himself between Liam and Genevieve.  They all ensured that they had plenty of popcorn and juice!

 

 

Sophia is excited that her cousins, Mike and Vin could be there, as well as her best friend Chiara.

 

 

Here is round two of birthday cake.

 

The kids help Sophia open her presents.

 

 

Sophia loves the jewelry-making kit she got.

 

 

American Girl tea party.

 

 

Why does Gianni ALWAYS look like the cat who at the canary?

 

 

Liliana hangs out with Daddy.

 

 

 

Who is having the best party ever?

 

 

 

Now, it is time for Sophia to get her ears pierced.  Here is the before picture.

 

 

 

Here is the "during" picture.  I think that is a fake smile on her face.

 

 

And finally the after picture.  The real smile is starting to come back!

 

Happy Birthday Sophia!