Cousins

We were able to enjoy some family time with Richie, Angela and Alena and Xavi. It was great watching Zoe "play" with Alena who is 6 mos older. Zoe is still into "parallel play" which may have been confusing to the outgoing Alena who was a wonderful hostess, sharing all of her new exciting toys. It was especially enjoyable to mommy who was able to chat about parent life with Richie & Angela. They were so sweet to entertain us for the evening- we miss our cousins!

We Belong at the Zoo!

Kelly, Nana, Mommy & Daddy all took Zoe to the San Diego zoo. It was chilly and most of the animals were in a snoozy mood, but that didn't keep Zoe from having a great time . She ran all over the park checking out elephants, monkeys and Meerkats- oh my!

Christmas in Naples

Zoe and Daddy enjoy the christmas lights along a Naples canal in Long Beach.

Christmas Morning

Forget sugarplums! Who doesn't dream of a red bike waiting for them on Christmas morning? Thanks Auntie Kelly & Uncle Jose!

Christmas Eve Dress

All ready to go with Nana to the Christmas Eve music service.

Toes in the Sand

Once again time for our Christmas Eve walk on the beach, our SoCal tradition. 70 degrees and sunshine- ahhhh, now that's Chrismastime to me!

Baking Cookies

I had a craving for cookies, so Zoe & I made chocolate chip cookies from scratch. Zoe is learning to love the kitchen, and she likes to be up where the action is, with her apron tied and a view into the pots and pans. Her first verb is "cook". When anyone ties on an apron, she runs for one of the dining room chairs and yells, "cook! cook!". She wants us to pull the chair into the kitchen where she can stand up at the counter and stack spice jars, bang measuring cups and help stir.

Sassy Pants Jagger

Some nights are just two bear nights.


I gave birth to Mick Jagger, already reincarnated.

Life's a Beach

My buddy Andre

Today we had a playdate with our friends Elenor & Andre. We met at the discovery museum for a sunny (but chilly!) morning under the shadow of the Golden Gate bridge. We played with countless fun exhibits and played hide & seek in a landscaped garden. Here is a shot of us practicing going up & down stairs, which we like to do for hours on end.

Noahs

Our little anti-gormand is finally allowing some new items into her culinary repertoire (previously consisting of ONLY the following items: Mac & cheese, pasta with ground meat and tomato sauce-but not spaghetti, cottage cheese, apple sauce, yogurt, smoothies, cookies, and crackers). Mommy was thrilled to find that she ate a blueberry bagel, and even tried cream cheese!

Cruising the Haight

Today we picked up my Tias in SF and cruised around the Haight. I tried on some sweet slip-on Vans at our favorite shoe store, and did some window shopping. Shame that store with rows of little Asian tschochkis was closed.

She Fought Valiantly

...to stay awake until we reached the playground, but after fighting valiantly to avoid her afternoon nap (all day) she just couldn't hold out any longer.

Sunday Walk

We are enjoying the last few weeks of fall before the rain comes, and Redwood Park becomes too soggy for our near daily walks.
It's crisp enough to wear fleece and polka dot chapeaux, but not too cold to play in the dry leaves, hang on the monkey bars and shoot down the slide.

Cuddle Pile

Frequent Flyer

Snoozing like a pro on the 2nd leg of the flight from Cincinatti.

Good Morning Sleepy Head

Ecstacy on a Swing

Our little traveler has come to Cincinatti to visit Nico's family for Thanksgiving. The trick of traveling with a toddler, is to keep some things constant. Like naps, snacks and fun. No matter where we go, we can always find cottage cheese, applesauce, and swings.

Stretching the leggies

It's a long drive up from Long Beach, and while Zoe was a great passenger, we all needed to get out and stretch our legs at the Mission San Miguel.

Zoe & the Fish

Nanna, Kelly, Mommy & Daddy all go with Zoe to the LB Aquarium.
The fish were ok. the sharks were ok. The huge octopus was alright. But the otters were the stars.

Shiny Table Peek-A-Boo

We have the beach to ourselves

80 degrees as the sycamore leaves are falling, and we have the whole beach to ourselves. Lovely.

Taking the Waters

Zoe immerses herself in the mineral waters of Calistoga on an autumn trip to wine country.

Chickens!

Those little guys are so fascinating! Zoe and Daddy check out the chickens at Preston Winery in Dry Creek.

Quality you can taste

"Please, no Animal Style- I like my cheeseburgers bald"

Birthday Buddies

Zoe and Andre hanging out together at the Discovery Museum.
A rare moment of holding still...

Trick or Treat

La Petite Poulet

Zoe gets into character in preparation for Halloween festivities

Punkin Patch