Fall

We finally had some summer over the past two weeks while the rest of the country is ready for fall. Our temps have been in the high seventies, even into the eighties, off and on for the past two weeks, which has been wonderful. San Francisco is a different place when the sun comes out. The other night we were at the playground and ran into a few of Grace's classmates past and present, including one whose little brother I had never seen without a stocking cap (we met them mid-summer). The kids ran around hollering, the parents chatted, and it was fun to imagine what our community might be like if we weren't always rushing to get out of the cold. But I digress. As usual.

It's hard to be ready for fall when I only wore my new sandals three times, but it's one of my favorite seasons so I'm trying to get into the spirit. Football! Baking! Tights, sweaters and tweed!

The foggy, windy weather seems to be back. So, to really get into the fall mood, I'm planning a mellow weekend with fallish cooking (risotto, plum tart, maybe bread), getting the fall clothes out of storage, making a plan for Grace's Halloween costume, finding a pumpkin patch and trips to the library and playground (maybe these aren't fallish per se, but they do mean a bit of down time. Yay fall!

Summer Reading List

While in Bellingham, I noticed a lot of houses with signs saying something like "A summer reading all star lives here." This reminded me of summer reading lists, none of which I recall following or having to report upon in September, except for AP English senior year. That year, we actually did have to read and report, but lucky for me (and a certain other dear reader whom I will call Frances) we only had to turn in the reports by the end of first semester, which meant I did a lot of winter break reading. Good thing we were snowed in that year and couldn't go anywhere for a week, except for moonlight sledding with people who lived within walking distance. But anyway - thanks for joining my trip down memory lane - back to summer reading.

All this end of summer business made me think you would, undoubtedly, enjoy learning about my summer reading. So, here goes, my first ever summer reading report.

Cinderella Ate My Daughter by Peggy Orenstein

Interesting analysis of how marketing and consumer culture promote negative and potentially harmful stereotypes for little girls. I thought it was probably a fascinating essay but was repetitive for an entire book. Nevertheless, it has heightened my awareness of what kinds of gender-specific assumptions about and comments I might make to young children and has helped me bite my tongue here and there. I recommend it, especially for parents of girls, if read with a grain of salt.

Change in Altitude by Anita Shreve

Quick read, but I almost always dislike her characters and find the stories a bit thin. I wouldn't go so far as to say I want the hours I spent reading it back, but I am reminded why I avoid her books, no matter how compelling the book jacket might seem.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling

Of course this was a winner. Steve and I read it aloud in preparation for the final movie, which was probably good because it upped our ability to criticize the film's departure from the book.

Bossypants by Tina Fey

She's hysterical and also offers excellent social commentary. Highlights included her account of climbing Old Rag in Virginia since we once climbed it, her tale of driving across Pennsylvania at the holidays, her prayer for her daughter, and pretty much all the rest of it. Read it and laugh, but it's hard to read aloud because you will be laughing and gasping for air much of the time.

Jericho's Fall by Stephen L. Carter

I've read two of his other three other novels. This was entertaining (another read aloud), but the worst of the three I've read. It dragged a bit and never sufficiently developed the central source of intrigue. It was as if he wanted to write a thriller without having to put the effort into really developing the key part of the plot. I also found the characters kind of irritating. Okay for a car trip, though, since they don't really lend themselves to Tolstoy anyway (not that I'd know).

Where the God of Love Hangs Out by Amy Bloom

LOVED this collection of short stories. So good. Now I need to read more of her work.

House of Spirits by Isabel Allende

Despite being crazy about Isabel Allende, I hadn't read this, her debut novel. It was a wonderfully layered story. I know she doesn't consider herself to be a magical realist, but in recalling the book, I immediately think of One Hundred Years of Solitude. I also didn't realize until near the end that it's believed to based on Chile and the years around Salvador Allende's election and the coup that overthrew him, leading to Pinochet's rule. Given my interest in Latin American history and politics, this was particularly compelling.

The Blessings of Skinned Knee by Wendy Mogel

I'm about halfway through this one. It is giving me some great perspective for parenting, although it is more geared toward parents of somewhat older children. I will probably eventually pick up my own copy as I expect I will want to re-read it over the years.

Well, that is summer reading 2011! Do you have any recommendations from your summer reading?

Baby's first camping trip

We had been kicking around the idea of going camping for a while so when Natalie said they would be up for it once Gavin started walking, we decided to go for it. Nat found us a site in the redwoods on the peninsula for last weekend, and we were all a little nervous if anyone would get to sleep and what chaos might befall us with a two year old and 15 month old.

I got really sick late last week and we almost had to cancel, but after a slow morning Saturday we decided to stick with the plan and headed south. We got to the campsite just after Nat and Chris had carried their tent from one site to the next, thinking the site was too small for all of us. Just as we were about to make our camp, a member of the park staff came by and told us that they had been having problems with the guy at the site next to us and kids, and although he wasn't supposed to say anything that he recommended we change sites. Oooohkay. We were totally creeped out so Nat and I headed back to the ranger station to choose another site. We basically asked for the furthest one from where we were. They set us up, and we all changed sites. Poor Natalie and Chris couldn't carry their tent to change sites a second time so they had to break camp. Ugh!

Finally settled in as it was getting dark, and thinking the drama/creepiness was behind us, we broke out the hors d'ouevres. Shortly after, the rangers showed up with some sheriff's officers looking to find out more about why we wanted to change sites. Everyone was very nice and understanding about our concerns. Once they eventually left we finally got on with our evening.

A little ball playing...Plenty of eating -

including pico de gallo straight from the container for Gavin.

Gavin retired before campfire time, but Grace stayed up for s'mores (although she only wanted the chocolate). After a while she started asking to go to bed, so we took her into the tent to get her settled. We were pretty sure she was not going to let us leave her there so we figured we would all need to go to bed at the same time. However, when we stepped out to say good night, she didn't complain or cry so we waited to see what would happen. After a while I returned to turn out her lantern, thinking she was asleep. She popped up and looked at me, I asked if she was okay, and she nodded yes. Not a peep more and she went to sleep and slept until 6:30 AM (late for her). She woke up happy as a clam and thought bouncing around on the mattresses was awesome. What a relief! I had been pretty sure we were in for a sleepless night.

We had breakfast and goofed around for a while... in the tent

snacking on goldfish

and blowing bubbles.

Sadly, so soon after we got there, we had to break camp. Then, we headed out for a quick hike. Grace did a good job of actually walking most of the way. I'm not sure why in this picture we look like we only kind of like each other. Maybe we needed to be really clear which family unit was which?

After the hike, we returned to the campsite to play a bit more and these two turned up the cuteness as they played on logs, climbed on stumps and danced and ran around.

Way too short a trip, but we had so much fun. I was really not sure how camping would go so it was such a good surprise that Grace absolutely loved and slept well. It went so well that I may be overly confident about next time.

San Marino: a few more

Monday, we were all a bit exhausted... and it was sooo hot. We took it easy with a trip to Lacy Park...

Followed by a trip to Steve's favorite restaurant of all time, The Boat (although he would want you to know that it's not the same since they got rid of the the real boat and made it all fancy).

After lunch, Steve and Grace napped while Nana and I enjoyed lemonade and some relaxing conversation. Before we had to leave, we squeezed in a quick game of soccer with the beach ball.

Thank you, Nana! We had such a good trip. Too short, but full of fun! All the pictures are here.

P.S. It was 99 degrees when we left San Marino and 50-something when we landed in San Francisco. Just so you know.

The day we spent in Anaheim

Sunday we hit the road early for a very special treat - Disneyland! We didn't realize it was the same day as the Disneyland Half Marathon, so with that and it being a holiday weekend in the middle of a heat wave, we were expecting a crowded, hot day. We were not sure we would get to do many rides, but figured Grace would enjoy all of it regardless.

We ended up very lucky - we beat the crowds to Frontierland to start the day and Grace gradually warmed up. She was little uncertain on the Jungle Cruise and Pirates, but once we headed over to Tomorrowland, she saw the AstroBlasters and said I want to ride that one! She steered it as high as it would go, kept her rocket there for the whole ride (with Steve) and with that found her Disneyland spirit.

We rode the carousel (x3).

We flew on elephants (a few times).

And Saturday's lack of nap worked in our favor as Grace conked out after lunch and we finally had to wake her in time for her Autopia Fastpass time...

Too bad you can't see her here, but she loved driving.

She picked the train ride and we were all pleased for the shady break and tour around the park.

She is still singing ""It's a Small World. Rather, she and I are singing it together, over and over and over. And over...

She also loved the "spinning cups." When the ride ended she tried to climb into the next cup for "another turn."

And she was a total champ about waiting in many lines. She found plenty of ways to entertain herself, including Daddy's nose.

We lucked out and although it was really hot, it clouded over at midday so wasn't as bad as expected. Between Grace's nap, stroller-switch and Fastpass, we even got in a few of the more thrilling rides. Grace definitely had a fantastic time - she has been remembering all kinds of details. Just the other night she described seeing the castle turn different colors during the fireworks ("fireworks were loud!") and randomly reminded us about riding "'nochio." She also loves to sing the pirate song, but her version goes "Yo po, yo po, like a pirate, me!"

We all had such a fun day, capped off by giant ice cream sundaes, now a great family tradition in itself. Toward the end of the day, we rode the AstroBlasters again. Climbing off, Grace announced "I want to do it again. By myself!"

Long weekend fun

Needing a little more summer and wanting to visit Nana, we went to SoCal for Labor Day weekend. Having the mini trip to look forward to made returning to work after Washington a little easier. Also, after doing an 18 hour car trip, the one hour flight seemed trivial. We were, in fact, cocky when we set out Saturday morning. The last five minutes of the flight when I wouldn't let Grace dump altoids everywhere involved a little screaming, but otherwise it was pretty easy. Plus, airplanes and airports thrill Grace to no end.

It was classic, late summer San Gabriel Valley HOT. And we loved it. First, we went to San Dimas to visit Great, Great Aunt Florence.

She and Grace played cars over lunch.

Three generations enjoying their gooey ice cream desserts.

I always love to visit Aunt Florence. She tells such interesting and entertaining stories - this time one was about accidentally visiting the leper colony on Molokai and a boat repairman trying to send her party back to Maui in a boat repaired with duct tape - and is a truly lovely person. I hope to have that kind of grace some day.

In the afternoon we returned to Nana's for some swimming. At first Grace was tentative and preferred sunbathing, but eventually she joined Nana for a boat ride. She thought that was quite fun...

Once she finally got in the water, she loved "fwimming"! Even more, she loved being thrown back and forth between Steve and me.

After a long swim, we had pizza on Nana's patio (every time we visit I wonder why we ever left Southern California) and finally took the tuckered out napless pumpkin to the hotel to rest up for a big day Sunday...

Reverse course

After a Saturday morning walk to feed the ducks one more time and get pink sprinkle donuts, we hit the road. After realizing we had to be at work Monday morning, we decided to do the drive with a stop in Portland rather than spend Saturday in Seattle and make the drive Sunday. We did feel a bit like cheaters, but ended up very happy with our decision except that it cut short our visit with Bucket and Lindee.

We met up with them near their place in Seattle to enjoy a lunch from Dick's Deluxe, play at Magusson Park, walk over to Lake Washington and dance!

We headed on south to Portland in the evening and I taught Grace to sing Roll On Columbia as we crossed the bridge (a road trip tradition). I'm sorry we didn't have any time to explore Portland, but maybe some day we will... i haven't done anything more than pass through since I was 17.

Sunday morning we hit the road early, watching the sunrise over Mount Hood and then seeing the hot air balloons in the Willamette Valley. So pretty.

Then we drove and drove and drove some more. Stopped at the lovely little park we dissevered last year in Dunsmuir near Mount Shasta. It was SO HOT that this little patch of cool shade was a nice break.
We piled back into the car and Grace slept for several hours while I read to Steve and the HOT central valley sped by.We could tell we were almost home when we saw the bay stretched out ahead of us and city shrouded in fog - 30 degree temperature drop as we headed across the bridge and up our hill.

What a good vacation. I've said it before, but there is really no place lovelier than the pacific northwest in summer. I've lived away for a long time, but it still feels like home. Visiting is wonderful, and I love seeing my family, but it sure reminds me how much I miss Washington. All the pictures from our trip are here.

Friday

We felt compelled to maximize our last day in Bellingham in terms of both outside time and relaxing. Always so much pressure on a short vacation.

We started the day with a short hike in Stinson Preserve. Grace had a great time trying to climb trees...

Crossing giant logs...
Teaching GoGo rhymes...
And falling asleep in Steve's arms and getting carried for a while. We headed back to GoGo's for lunch on the deck and then some running in the sprinkler and watering the garden. At first Grace was unconvinced about the sprinkler, but eventually she got the idea. (One of the saddest parts of San Francisco not having summer is that we don't spend nearly enough time in the water so she's still a little hesitant). Anyway, if this picture doesn't capture the essence of summer, I don't know what does. Except maybe she should be carrying a popsicle?

Steve had some work to do (boo!), so GoGo, Grace and I walked to the park to feed the ducks again. Grace conked out in the stroller so Mom and I sat by the pond and read for a bit. When Grace awoke, we fed the ducks, hit the playground, and then Steve joined us to check out the waterfalls.

Finally, we capped the day with another trip to Fairhaven for fish and chips (sooo good, too - we'd never been to this spot before). Yummy northwest seafood AND the kids meal came with soft-serve.

After dinner we wandered around the shops and over to the green for some summer evening running.

A perfect Bellingham kind of day!

On language acquisition 3

Me (upon dropping my keys): Oh, shoot!
Grace: I sorry!
Me: It's not your fault.
Grace: It's my fault.
Me: No, you didn't do anything. It's not your fault.
Grace: No, it's MY fault.*

Took a minute for that one to click.

And one of our current favorites - instead of "oopsie daisy" Grace says "oopsie crazy!"

*Ed: in case you are further from spending a lot of time with toddlers, this references the propensity of toddlers to be adamant about what is "mine!"

Of bays and farms

Thursday brought more adventuring and time with family. First off, we headed down through the Skagit flats, via Farm-to-Market Road (possibly the best name of a road ever) for a picnic at Padilla Bay.

We met up with NanaNan (Grace's Great NanaNan), Aunt Patty (Grace's great aunt), cousins Hunter and Caleb (my second cousins? i can't keep it straight past first cousin), and Pop. Aunt Patty brought quite the picnic spread and we enjoyed yummy food, sun and great company.

Grace had a wonderful time with Hunter and Caleb. Despite their being middle school aged, they were incredibly sweet with her - they played with her, walked with her to the beach, and taught her how to steal one another's noses.

At one point the three of them sat down at a picnic far across the park from ours. They sat giggling and talking for quite a while. We were dying to hear what they were talking about.

After saying good-bye (too brief a visit!), we took off for Hovander Park while Grace snoozed in the car. Grace was still asleep when we got there so Dad and I took a walk while Steve stayed with Grace. After we checked out the animals, a woman with two kids trailing behind her ran up to us asking we knew where to find a ranger. When we asked if she needed help, she said she had dropped her car keys and the pig ate them. The kids were crying and saying "we'll never be able to get inside our house!" We were pretty sure this would be the end of the pig when the keys sliced his intestines, but in the end the pig had just munched on the keys and spit them out, destroying the fob. I assume the kids were able to get into their house eventually. Dad and I kept snickering, imaging when Mark was a ranger there and picturing him climbing into the pig pen to retrieve the keys.

Eventually the action was over and Grace woke up. She was quite delighted by the animals

Cows!

Turkeys and chickens!

We checked out the barn and the old tractors.

And the buggy.

Then we headed over the playground. Grace had so much fun playing with Pop and climbing everything (currently her favorite activity) and then insisted on climbing everything in bare feet. Because everything is more fun when you're flirting with the threat of splinters.

We taught Grace how to play hide-and-seek. She had a fairly loose grasp of the rules, but we all had fun.

Grace always adores spending time with Pop.

We headed back to town for pizza at Chichetti's, a Bellingham institution (it had probably been a million years since the last time I went there!). Oh, long Washington summer days! How I love thee.