Dear Sofia,
The last few months have been full of travel, play and work. We began our summer with our annual trip to Italy. This year's trip took us to Dublin, London, Berlin, Paris and of course Tuscany. You were up for 18 hours straight with a small 2 hour nap that first day, but you hardly complained. You seem to love planes and traveling in general. I think your favorite part of our trip was the villa in Italy (
Il Trebbio in Castellina in Chianti). You loved the pool and despite that this year was cooler than normal, you still splashed, kicked your legs and had fun. We took long afternoon walks around the property (we call them adventures) and collected wild flowers to put in a vase for our dining table. We also found snail shells, leaves and rocks worthy of collection. In each city we found playgrounds, the nicest being in Berlin. This playground had multiple wooden structures; a treehouse, three bridges, a zip line, a wooden castle, sandpit, water play area and swings that kept kids of all ages busy while we were there. You loved the Berlin zoo (we all did), you ran from enclosure to enclosure yelling "LOOK AT THIS ONE!" The elephants fascinated you. In Paris we ate at our favorite "butter steak" restaurant
Le Relais, we are happy you like it because we go at least two times every trip. In London we found the cutest traditional pub, you fell asleep and sadly missed a delicious dinner. Since we were there during the World Cup (and were all part of Max's pool) we watched a lot of soccer. You and Max were giving each other "Red Cards" for misbehavior.
We went to Yosemite in the airstream two weeks ago and you thoroughly enjoyed our three days of camping. (You didn't ask to go home once! Unlike last year's trip.) You laid on Molly's blanket with her and then played freely in the dirt. You liked playing in the river with your dad and thought it was funny when you would splash him. The water was freezing and he would let out a high scream of disapproval. Molly loved the river too, but refused to swim. Max and Mark hung on the edge and didn't venture into the water.
The biggest news of the summer is that we are getting ready for a major transition. I have found a full time job and will be starting in two weeks. We have been extremely fortunate in having found a wonderful pre-school for you to attend. The program is five days a week. This school is focused on the arts and I think it will feel like taking you to wonderland everyday.
I feel so fortunate to have been home with you for as long as I have and I will cherish these memories for an eternity. It makes me sad to think I won't be with you each day, but I know you will thrive in your new environment. I am excited for you in so many ways; new friends, new teachers, new play, a new place to explore...and I will only be 1 mile away. The school encourages parents to participate (it actually is required!) so I will be there as much as I possibly can, which translates to no less than once a week. This next chapter will be exciting and I look forward to our journey.
I love you Sofia.
Mommy
