Oma & Papa came all teh way from Las Vegas to visit us in Virgina. We couldn't ahve been happier to have them! It had been so long since we'd seen them and we missed them so. Our visit was so wonderful. We got to do some neat things together as well as spend some quality time at home. Here are a bunch fo snapshots & descriptions of things we did (didn't take a picture of the chocolate tasting, which was oh so yummy & interesting). We love you guys!
We got to go to the National Arboretum, a 1st for the Smiths, and a huge places filled with acres of plant life. We only went to a piece of it, of course. Here is the Herb garen, which was our favorite.
Oma fell in love with this grape-vine canopy.
Papa was quick to find the many beautiful butterflies surrounding the garden.
Ryan had fun, too!
Sophie up close with a butterfly.
Purtty flower!
Sophie took this picture by herself of her favorite purple flower. I think its quite artistic!
One fo the many butterflies.
Oma & Ryan at the Koi pond.
Sophie had fun feeding the Koi.
And Ryan had fun torturing the fish...I mean loving the fish! :)
Don't fall in!
Always smiley, active, and having fun!
here are a few fun shots of Sophie by the old columns (which used to be at teh capitol long ago).
I love this one! Recently, Sophie has been making impressions of what Justin & Lauren look like when they sleep. Well, Sophie, this is what YOU look like when you sleep! :)
We also went to teh Nat'l Zoo. Always a favorite! Here's Sophie touching a real bear's skull.
We had a ball watching the playful otters in action.
...esp. Ryan!
Taking a peek at teh elephants.
Papa & Sophie getting a lesson about the apes.
Sophie got up close & personal with a couple Orangutangs.
This was the closest Ryan got to any animal, and he LOVED it! He was making monkey sounds & giggling.
Lunch break at the pizza play place.
My cute boys!
...and so lovey!
Stir that sauce, Soph!
The majestic lion.
Nap time!
Seriously, Mom?
Oma & Sophie at the lions & Tigers.
At teh turtles.
We love Papa!
Oma being so helpful with the stroller. They were such troopers that day! I'd forgotten how hilly our zoo is!
That night, a church friend took Papa & I out fishing for catfish. A few bites, no fish caught, but a good time was had! Here's Papa sportin' the headlight.
Feeding the ducks at Occoquan River. It was a gorgeous day (& week!) at a beautiful park. 
Hi geese!
Ryan just wanted to eat the crackers-not throw them!
But Oma showed him how.
The Smiths.
Storytime at home.
On their last night, we took them out to dinner for Papa's birthday. Dixie Bones, of course, just down the street, where they got a taste of some fabulous ribs & Pecan Pie!
A weird shot of Sophie. :)
Finally! A picture with all of us!
