Almost Summer

Admittedly, adding Sophia to my blog has been a mixed bag. Part of the reason I blog less often is because she says that she wants to blog about certain things, but she gets too distracted to follow through. I could just go for it, but her posts always add such a great perspective, especially as it relates to things she's doing that I really want to give her the chance to do it.

This is the last week of school for Sophia. It's been a lovely year for both of us. Last night, as I was putting her to bed, Sophia said, "I'm just sad about it because first grade has had such an impact on my life." I kid not. That's what she said. I could say the same thing, I suppose.

Like most parents who are at home full time, I have mixed feelings about summer. Most of me is excited. I truly like spending time with my kid. She's a hoot. However, I've gotten quite attached to my routine. So I'll fill this week with all my favorite activities and look forward to my days with Sophia to come. I do realize how lucky I am. 

Naturalist

Sunday was a lovely day. One of many lovely days we've had this spring. My family was nice enough to let me choose what to do with our day, so I chose to go for a hike. I was surprised to find (on Facebook) just how many moms chose hiking for their day. I wonder what that says about us.

Anyhow, Sophia was happy with my choice because she has recently become the owner of a Scat, Tracks and Signs book to help us determine what wildlife we might be near.

We stopped at ever poop pile and hoof/paw print to analyze it. Pretty sure there are coyotes out at Howell Island Conservation Area. I know that because we found some poop. 

I'm also sure there's a fawn in the woods there because we found just the cutest little hoof print. I did not point out to Sophia that we should hope they stay on opposite sides of the woods...

The binoculars were a good idea, but not great in practice. But she's just so cute using them that I keep recommending it.

It really was a beautiful day to enjoy nature together as a family. I'm grateful, as always, for my allies in adventuring.

Girls

Last weekend was packed full of family, friends and celebrations. This weekend will be more of the same - only different. Sophia and I went to Columbia for a quick visit. Our main reason for choosing the weekend was to celebrate the impending (sounds ominous) arrival of a baby girl into the family of some great friends. 

This little girl is going to be so loved and well taken care of. She's also going to be cute. I cannot wait to meet her. Sophia's excited about it, too. 

At the baby shower, Sophia was befriended by an adorable and charming little girl. The two of them had a wonderful time walking that delicate sparkly line between being girly and being wacky.

I was so happy to get to celebrate with my friend. I could not be happier for them to get to start this new book (too big to be a chapter) in their lives.

At some point in the celebration, I got a little distracted by my own feelings. Maybe because we're reaching the end of another school year. Maybe because Sophia made me tell her the story of her baby shower. Maybe just because thinking about my friend mothering a daughter makes me think about my own daughter. Whatever the reason, I just couldn't help but be a little distracted by my gratitude for my own girl.

I love her to distraction.

Beautiful Weekend

It was such a beautiful spring weekend! Saturday, we were in Columbia visiting Mary. Because the day was so perfect, we had to get out and enjoy nature. We were not the only ones with the idea, but the park is big enough that we weren't tripping over one another anyway.

Sophia loved it! She doesn't remember being there before, but she was happy to lead us on a different trail around the park.

And, even though she was a little anxious about it, she went into the cave at Devil's Icebox. She wanted to explore deeper into the cave. I was very surprised at how much she liked it in there. It was just just a beautiful day!

Looks Can Be Deceiving

I really love this picture. Here's the story that I may choose to tell with this picture one day: I said to Sophia, "Hey, would you like to have a picture with me, Sophia?" She responded, "Yes, Mama! I want to have my picture with you at every opportunity because I love you sooooooo much!"

Here's the story that really happened with this picture: "Sophia, I'll only let you climb on my back if you let me take a picture of us." Sophia responded, "Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!" while trying to slide down my back and out of the frame.

Oh well. The love is the truth.

Spring Break

Last week was Sophia's spring break. It was just what we needed. The first half of break was relaxing. Just one long play date, some projects at home and lots of snuggles and games. The second half was full to bursting with time outside and adventures around St. Louis and down in Springfield/Branson with my parents.

Thursday was spent around St. Louis, at the Magic House and hiking the trails around Laumeier Sculpture Park. That's one of my favorite things to do, and it's a great way to get started on a spring and summer full of outdoor activity.

Friday, we got to go to the Zoo with Casey and Henri. A special treat for any day!! We all had fun, but Henri and Sophia took fun to another level... A crazier, freer level.

Saturday was spent at Silver Dollar City. We haven't been there at non-Christmas time in quite a while. Sophia was thrilled. I think her favorite part of the whole park might have been the Old Homestead area. Here, she got to be a model student.

And she met Cotton, the cutest, fluffiest little horse she's ever met. She was very much in heaven.

Yesterday, when I took Sophia into school, she caressed the wall as we went up the stairs and said, "Oh, I've missed you, old friend." So, while Spring Break is over, the fun apparently continues for Sophia. She does love school.

The Little Things: A Golf Story by Sophia Creach

Hi today I think that I will tell you about  my story of going golfing. Ok first I will tell you about my dad.So he is the kind of guy that he will most likely will do any thing to make you happy, and he will try to help you
24,7.

 So were was I, oh ya! In fact today I tolled my dad to come to the golf  stall because I was going to give him the last 4 balls... But he said "No you can hit them"And I was so thankful for that. See some times it is only the little things that count.

By sophia creach