It's been a busy week for Sophia.

A rare week off work for mum and dad meant a jaunt to St Andrews for a couple of days with our little one.

We had been noticing quite a change in Sophia over the last few weeks, with her appetite returning after a couple of bugs, helping her feel more like her usual chirpy self.

Her personality is also developing at quite a rate, with clear signs that she is understanding what we say to her... and not always approving!

As soon as we arrived, little buddha was taking in her new surroundings.

However, the fresh air was quick to help her conk out for a rare long daytime nap.

When she woke up, the noise of seagulls and sight of sand was impossible for her to ignore.

We went down to the beach to let her explore. It may have been slightly chilly, but with her furry hat, snowsuit and a pair of wellies on, the temperature wasn't going to spoil her day.

Playing with sand and splashing about in the water was great fun for Sophia, and for us, as she enjoyed kicking water high in the air.

Dog walkers also caught her eye and no pet pooch could pass without our little one wanting to stroke them.

Reminding Sophia that sand had to stay out of her mouth was proving quite a regular feature of her trip down to the beach - ensuring we had to keep a close eye on anything that went near her mouth!

After thoroughly exhausting herself on the beach, we called it a day.

The following afternoon we decided to take Sophia to the nearby aquarium as the heavens had opened.

The attraction was packed full of all sorts of sealife, ranging from a shark to penguins.

Staying in the pram for this visit wasn't an option for eagle-eyed Sophia as she wanted to get up close to the exhibits.

Hands were all over the tanks as she attempted to look closer as a variety of fish swam passed her eyes.

After her fun few days away, it was time to head home.

Sophia may not have a real-life cuddly penguin at home, but a huge smile was clear to see when she returned home to see her pet cat.

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