Summer Lovin Continues

I always find myself wishing August by. The novelty of the park, pool, etc. have worn off just a little bit. I know I will be kicking myself for saying that come February. I realize that I talk about the calendar year a lot, but my mood is very effected by it and always has been. I like a nice, round four seasons, which can be difficult here in the East Bay. Last Monday I took a trip out to the city to meet Celeste for lunch and was pleased to find so many people dressed in boots, light sweaters, etc. It made for a nice break, not to mention that I ate the best grilled chicken sandwich and sweet potato fries I've ever had at Taylor's Refresher in the Ferry Building. I "shared" an order of the sweet potato fries with Celeste, but I think I inhaled them before she could get her hands on too many (and I wonder why I've gained more weight with this pregnancy?).

Anyways, we have managed to have some fun-filled August weekends, including a visit from my cousins, and a trip with the Maddox family up to Angel's Camp. Visits with my cousins always send me into huge laughing fits, the kind that make your stomach hurt and your eyes water. We enjoyed going to the city to visit Dane's new apartment (have I mentioned that my brother moved here?). He lives with his girlfriend in an incredible place right on Lombard Street, in the middle of pretty much everything. On Sunday we took a day trip to Sonoma where everyone delighted in a little wine tasting as I sipped on sparkling water and played designated driver. I really can't complain. I will camp out at Gloria Ferrer, enjoy the views, and eat all the little seasoned almonds they bring to your table any day.

As for camping, I know I've mentioned before that I have a little love/hate relationship with it. Well, we managed to have a really great time. Some people thought we had fallen off our rockers being that our company was made up of two pregnant women, a one year old, and a two year old, but everyone knows I'm always a great sport and up for anything (insert sarcastic laugh here). In all seriousness, it's kind of impossible not to have a fabulous time with the Maddox family. Also, I think it made things a little easier this year (for us at least) now that Ellie is older. No matter what kind of experiences our trips to Angel's Camp brings, they will always make for wonderful memories.

As it turns out, Roman was a great boat driver.

A little relaxing with "Yo Gabba Gabba"

Obviously my computer skills need work (I can't figure out how to delete this one).

Out Went July!

I wish I had some fabulous and exciting vacation to talk about, but our life recently has been an uncomplicated one. Most days involve swimming, park play dates, and spending a lot of time in the yard. We've been eating dinner on the back patio almost every night and watching Ellie tire herself out before settling her hot, sticky self into a bath and then bed. Sometimes we take long evening walks after dinner. The weekends usually involve the Farmer's Market (we love the peaches, heirloom tomatoes, and Brentwood corn), dinner out, pool picnics, and some sort of "field trip" (the Zoo, a lake, or maybe a cold, windy beach). Yes, I definitely get envious at times of friends' tropical vacations, fun adventures, or wine tasting trips, but that's not my life right now. I am trying to embrace this simple, slow-paced summer before the chaos hits again, because I know it's only a matter of time. Is this starting to sound like a country song? Alas, a few pictures of July:

24 weeks pregnant. Baby boy has made quite an appearance at this point.

We love spending time with sweet Kaden!

Ellie asked me to leave after taking this picture. She wanted to read the Sunday paper alone with Daddy.

Shawn came to California for a quick weekend visit! Remember Shawn? She's one of my favorite people.

Ellie has been insistent on putting on her own shoes. It takes a lot of patience (especially when we are in a rush), but she feels a huge sense of accomplishment!

An afternoon at Lake Anza with Uncle Dane

Woodlands 4th of July Parade

A very cold picnic at Baker Beach