A Summer Update

 Salut mes amis, 

Sophie here! Long time no see, huh? I hate when I go FOREVER without blogging, but I must say that I've been pretty busy this summer. I spent the majority of the summer visiting family in the Bourgogne region of France where my dad is from. That's actually where I spent my birthday (on August 9th), so I wasn't able to have a birthday party at school, like I did last year . . .

. . . but that doesn't mean that I wasn't given presents! Earlier in the summer, my parents surprised me with new clothes from American Girl: Saige's Sweater outfit and Saige's Sparkle dress! My teacher surprised me with something else: tickets to the Annapolis Irish Festival to see The Gothard Sisters as well as my very own Gothard Sisters tee! We've been wanting to see The Gothard Sisters live for . . . eight years now? While my classmate Anya actually got to visit Pleasantville on her own set of travels (the lucky duck!), we've never even come close to seeing the Gothards perform until this summer. They'd never even come close to where we live! But, Annapolis? That was doable.

We drove up to the Annapolis area on Friday, July 12th to be able to see the Saturday show. We'd decided not to go to any of Friday's festivities, which turned out to be a good thing - not only did we get stuck in heavy Annapolis traffic, it also rained quite a bit on Friday! Saturday turned out to be a beautiful day for the festival (it did rain again, but after we'd left that evening!), though, if you can forgive the humidity. We were grateful that the first Gothard Sisters performance of the day was under a shelter! Thank you, Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds!

Sitting in the front row, we had a magnificent view of the stage . . . and when the Gothards made their first appearance, I nearly died of happiness. I just wanted to run screaming over in delight, but I held that impulse in . . . hehe! I knew there'd be plenty of time after the show to introduce myself! Instead, I just sort of hoped I'd catch their gaze (and I did), contenting myself with waving.

 

When the concert was over, I jumped out of my seat and pulled my teacher over to the merchandise area. There was already a line forming, but I pushed my way through eagerly. I had to meet Greta, Willow and Solana at long last; I had to! My teacher was embarrassed at my boldness, her face reddening quickly. But I didn't care! Being timid never gets you anywhere; you have to be bold! So . . . I introduced myself to the Gothards and asked them to sign my Story Girl album. Then we all took a photo together, which you can see here:

I wanted to stay longer to chat with the Gothards, but it was already super hot . . . and I was thirsty! I said my goodbyes and went on my way to find a nice, cold lemonade. I am so glad I got to see them in concert, though, as well as meet them afterwards. I really hope they come back to Annapolis next year!

A few weeks ago, I received a package in the mail: it was a belated birthday present from my friend, Inky! The present was wrapped in the prettiest black and white paper that I almost didn't want to open it . . .

. . . I said almost! I gave in as my curiosity got the better of me. What was inside this pretty wrapping paper?

Inside, I found a sundress made with the cutest fabric. It was Paris-themed! How cool is that?! Inky knows me so well. 

I wasted no time in trying the sundress on for size. Doesn't it look cute? I paired it with purple flats and made sure to don my beret and Le Tour Eiffel charm necklace. I wanted to look like the ultra stereotypical Parisian, haha. Merci beaucoup, Inky! I love my new dress, even if I may have to share it with Juliette, Maura and Isabel . . .

What did you do this summer? Did you take a trip? Did you celebrate any birthdays? Go shopping for new clothes? Do tell! 

Ton amie,

Sophie