Quick trip

Grace and I took a quick trip to San Marnio (Pasadena area) over the weekend to visit Nana since Steve was on call (weekend call now means 7:30AM Saturday to 7:30 AM Monday, but not just hanging out at home waiting for the pager to go off - going to the hospital for about 12 hours Sat and Sun and spending the nights getting awakened. UGH.). So anyway, knowing we wouldn't see Steve much anyway and there was guaranteed to be some sun in So Cal, we took off.

Rode the carousel... several times.

Played in Nana's pool. Grace is still not very interested in swimming. In fact, she has started to become fearful in some situations, and seemed pretty worried/scared by the pool. Eventually she settled down and maybe kind of liked it a tiny bit.

Played at Lacy Park.

Explored the Children's Garden at the Huntington Library. This is such a neat area - there are all kinds of things for kids to play on, climb, etc. And there are lots of different water elements. Grace, however, was interested in only one part - some fountains she could touch. If we dragged her away to see something else, even if we went down several paths, she would turn and scamper back as soon as I set her down. I don't know how she found her way, but she was determined!

We also went out to San Dimas to visit Great, Great Aunt Florence. This woman is so amazing - she so sharp and quick-witted. We've been watching the Ken Burns documentary on World War II so it was interesting to ask about her experience of that time. Her husband had been on the Arizona, although was already out of the service (or home on leave) at the time of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Grace also had fun chasing cats in Nana's yard and being the most wiggly little monkey so I could not get a photo in focus.

When we lived in San Diego, we avoided the San Gabriel Valley this time of year (when Steve was growing up, they actually had "heat" days, like snow days but too hot to go outside or operate the schools without a/c). We were lucky, though, and got a weekend of temps around 80 rather than the norm of high 90s - it was beautiful. All the photos are here.

Nevertheless, I was very glad to get home. It's kind of interesting how leaving and returning to a place make it seem more like home. The slightly gritty streets near the 101 and seeing the fog intensify as we drove up the hill all felt pleasantly familiar. Obviously it will take a while before everything here doesn't feel new and different, but we're on our way.

It's back

The fog, I mean. It rolled in this afternoon, obscuring the building next door once again, and basically realigning the planets back to normal. Summer was fun!

Especially because we had a visit from Nat and Gavin this afternoon. Grace took the nap of all naps so we never did make it to the park for a planned picnic. But, it was so wonderful to have an afternoon of chatting with Natalie and cuddling her sweet baby boy.

Grace was so excited to see Gavin again. He napped in his carseat while Natalie parked and Grace stood over him, pointing and yelling "baaay-beee!" That was quieter than the tantrum induced by dragging her into the other room. Being two months old, he slept right through it. Grace brought him toys and blew him kisses. We encouraged her to give him an actual kiss, which she did, as soon as we put our cameras away. They seemed enchanted by one another - Grace danced for him (her newest dance is to twirl in circles) and he grinned at her antics. It's a good thing they like each other so far - they'll be spending a lot of time together!

It was pretty funny to see Grace keep trying to make sure she was the center of attention, as any good oldest girl should do. If we were too focused on Gavin, she would go over to Natalie and climb in her lap to give hugs. She was interested in Gavin, but had to keep making sure we were still interested in her. Then, Natalie went to get her car and I held a slightly fussy Gavin while a slightly jealous Grace tried to get my attention by standing on the couch. And I had a glimpse of what it might be like to have a toddler and an infant... and, woah. Despite the competition, Grace was so thrilled to have Gavin around. I think she said baby about 500 times today. We were both sad to see them leave.

Grace and Gavin's cuteness was just so overwhelming, I made an album. The rest of the pix are here.

Hot, hot, hot!

It was 98 degrees today, tying the hottest August day on record in San Francisco. Unseasonably cold all summer, now record-breaking heat, and I think it's supposed to be in the 50s this weekend.

To cope (no a/c 'round these parts), we joined the neighbors some water fun. They filled a wading pool and ran a sprinkler. What is cuter than babies in bathing suits? Not much. While the moms wished we could run through the sprinkler, we had to cajole the kids to play in the water.

Grace, instead, was obsessed with playing in this car.

Check out her cruising style... pure California, that girl.

When she got out and finally walked away? It didn't mean anyone else could play with it.

I think she might actually have been holding him up for his goldfish.

Got 'em!

A little bit of swim time.

We're lucky to have some great families in the area. And it's so hot right now that everyone has their windows open. Apparently, a lot of crying kids live nearby.

As I write this, I'm overhearing Steve taking a call from a resident. I know he's so tired and I must say that I'm always so impressed by his calm, patient and compassionate demeanor. Sometimes the schedule and the craziness of it all make me forget that peoples' lives are at stake when the pager goes off. I'm so proud of how hard Steve works and what he does.

Seeing the city: Botanical Gardens

Grace and I went to the botanical gardens at Golden Gate Park recently. Golden Gate Park seems bit like Central Park (aka the Balboa Park of the east). Huge, lots of things to do, museums, etc. We've hardly seen any of it so far, but we're working on changing that. Given the flower/tree obsession, it seemed like something Grace would enjoy.

After much wandering (I blame the map, not my ability to follow it), we finally found the Children's Garden. There, Grace met Marcos. He showed her edible flowers. She wouldn't try them, but she picked approximately a gazillion for him to eat. He also let us try Inca berries - very good!

It was neat to get a private tour, but kind of sad. They just started charging admission for non-SF residents and Marcos told us it had been really quiet. But, they do have activities some afternoons so he invited us back to get dirty and help with the garden.

We wandered through the other gardens, spotting birds and squirrels. We found a lovely spot to return to for a picnic.

The lack of crowds worked in our favor because we could meander without worrying too much about hitting anyone.

Summer in San Francisco

It seems like summer might be here, which, combined with Steve not having to work, made for a wonderful weekend.

Saturday we did one of the walks from the San Francisco City Walks set from Hilary and Kristie. We saw Noe Valley and part of the Castro - incredible old Victorian-style houses, just like you imagine in San Francisco, and a gazillion strollers, just like the stereotype of "stroller valley". Forgot to take any pictures, perhaps because the hills were so steep! In the afternoon, we went to the California Academy of Sciences with Ashley and Paul. It has a really neat aquarium, and since Grace is currently fascinated by fish (ssshiff!) she had a great time. We then went to the amazing (and huge and crowded) Koret Playground. They came back for dinner and Grace had a wonderful time demanding that they read her books. And we had a great time eating too much and catching up. We are so happy those two will be tying the knot next summer!

Yesterday after church (we think we've found one that might work - beautiful Spanish architecture (because that's what matters) and lots of families who sit in the same area, which is key because it means Grace doesn't make quite as much of a scene), we went to Baker Beach in the Presidio. Amazing spot! I imagine it's very different when socked in by the fog, but on Sunday it was wonderful. Warm sand (cold water) and terrific views. Grace seems very unsettled by crashing waves. She clung to our necks when we tried to get close to the water, but eventually we convinced her to try walking in the sand and she liked it!

No photos of a super yummy lunch at Squat and Gobble in West Portal and a visit to the playground, but after dinner (a nearly successful attempt at making chile rellenos! tasted right, just didn't look like ones you would get in a restaurant), we took one more walk to enjoy the clear evening and sunset. Picked up a lot of rocks, met some dogs, and Grace walked a long way back up the hill by herself. Our little city hiker.

There was no fog when we woke up today. I could see the sun. I believe it's the first time that has happened in the two months we've lived here. Despite being slightly prone to hyperbole, I am not exaggerating. It's supposed to be 83 degrees in the city. We are going to find a bubble wand and then spend the afternoon at the playground. Ahhh.

San Francisco

I think we're getting the hang of this place. I have whined ad nauseam about the fog and living atop a giant hill that makes it tough to walk anywhere, but I'm starting to like it nevertheless. This doesn't meant the whining will end, though.

It has also started to be a bit sunnier. Last Sunday evening Grace and I went to a birthday party near the beach. It was sunny, we had the windows down and the radio up. We were driving through neighborhoods with people of all colors and signs in many languages. The Golden Gate Bridge was over my shoulder, the Marin headlands in the distance and the ocean was shimmering ahead of us. I kept thinking, this is why we moved here.

Wednesday night we went to a new park with some relatives (Hi Greg! Hi James!) and some not exactly related but sort of extended relatives. The older kids ran around, Grace had a wonderful time digging in the sand, and I soaked up some sun and good conversation.

There's a great playground down the street with Gracie-sized equipment, friendly parents, and often dogs to pet. The nearby library has a great playroom for toddlers and loads of board books. We've made new friends and might join a coop pre-preschool. There are charming cafes within walking distance. There are beautiful neighborhoods with old California architecture. We're a ten minute drive from the beach.

We're exploring the city through a one-year-old's eyes, and it's wonderful. We may not be seeing the hipster San Francisco, but we're finding lots to love. We miss Boston like crazy, but I think things will be good here. And I see the sun peeking through the fog.

The Gracie

Looking through photos recently, I came across this one of Grace dancing with my dad at Mark and Lindee's wedding.

This dance will now be known in our family as "doing the Gracie". She went to bed early, but the rest of us continued to do the Gracie throughout the evening.

Hope you'll find a moment to do the Gracie this weekend!

Go, go, go

At the end of July, GoGo came for a visit. We had lots of fun, as usual. Here are G and GG at Peets. A kid needs a pink sprinkle cookie to keep up her energy for the library, playground and bookstore.

Gracie takes shoe shopping seriously. How could I fall for it so hard when the saleswoman told me the shoes she was wearing were way too tight (okay, granted you could see lines all over her feet and they were a wee bit puffy) and basically wouldn't let us out of the store without getting shoes to wear home.

Highlight of the weekend was my cousin's engagement party. Here are the party-preppers hard at work...

Grace worked hard to keep Scott entertained while we did food prep. This was some kind of tea party, perhaps?

Katy and Kristie did a ton or work to make the party a smash success. It was a fantastic time with two families meeting and getting to know each other better.

Gracie with the bride- and groom-to-be, Katy and Anthony.

We took a quick trip to Muir Woods to go hiking. Absolutely gorgeous, and one of Steve's attendings had fortunately given him the hint to get there very early. We got the last spot in the lot and got through the boardwalk area to the hiking trail before the crowds. It was well worth it. There are so many amazing places just a quick drive from the city.

Gracie is very interested in flowers (floouuu-wah!) and trees (teee!) these days. She wanted to stop and touch every single one. Luckily she fell asleep eventually so we made it back in one day.

Happy hikers.

Here's a failed attempt to keep her from running away. She demanded to get down instantly. Those last 100 yards were very slow. It takes a while when you have to say "hi!!!" to every single other visitor in the park.

A trip to our favorite playground. See how much she is enjoying her brand new ball?

This shot is right before Steve kicked it over the fence and we couldn't retrieve it.

A whole slew of recent and random pictures are here.