Children's Discovery Museum

We met Chloe and her parents at the Children's Discovery Museum in San Jose for picnic lunch and play date. What a great spot: water displays, bubbles, firetruck, garden (with praying mantis), and a lot more. We're members, so we expect to go back again soon.

Bagels

Since Nate and I are the early risers, we occasionally drive down to Noah’s for bagels. Each time as we stand in line looking at the flavors I ask him “what type of bagel would you like?”

The answer recently: “A big one!”

The answer this morning: “A round one.”

Fry's Non-working Trains

On a recent trip to Fry’s Electronics, we noticed the non-functional model train display above the cameras. (Gina was upgrading her new camera to an SD500.) To distract Nate, who’s biggest trauma in life now is non-working trains, I carried him back to the appliances. We both were surprised to notice a full-sized, beautiful steam engine tucked behind the washers and refrigerators. And now, for the past week, Nate will go up to anyone willing to listen to say “The trains, they’re not working” in a low pitched voice (meaning the large train) often followed by "The trains, they're not working" in a small, high pitched voice, meaning the small model train.

It’s so hard not to laugh sometimes…

Grace, Nate & Joey

Nate and Sydney in the front yard horsing around.

"Choo Choo! Train tracks, backing up."

Nate getting ready to shout, "Tunnel!" as we round the bend towards a tunnel. Julie is taking it all in and mom is reminiscing about the previous days spa treatments...the massage, foot bath, relaxing flotation therapy, the massage, the peace, the quiet, the massage...

It seems a family adventure isn't quite complete without a train. A few shots at Traintown. Yippee!

I just can't take the smile off my face after such a wonderful time.

Julie making sure Nate doesn't fall in the fountain. Dad mooning over his baby girl.

Nate's like Sydney, always ready to play in the water. This is one of 3 fountains we passed en route to our room from the lobby. Great fun for Nate while keeping mom and dad on their toes.

Nate had a blast swimming with daddy on a beautiful, balmy, Friday night.

For a special birthday treat (retreat) Michael took the kids Friday afternoon while I was treated royally at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn where we stayed. Dad and crew headed to Sonoma Square and frolicked in the sand at the playground and wandered around the Mission. Of all my wonderful birthday treats, this picture, the babies, and the photographer are my true treasures.

Julie messing with her brother...about time!

Nate checking out the grapes, a bit tart right now...

Members of the party

Winemaster Michael

Was treated to an amazing birthday weekend celebration by my amazing husband with the kids. The getaway surprise location was Sonoma, one of my favorite little towns for romantic and historical reasons. The kids were on their very best behavior, the weather perfect, Michael a sweetheart. A birthday celebration to remember for the next 40 years! It all started with an amazing, truly surprising picnic at Gundlach Bundschu. I believe my wistful comment, on passing the picnic table while driving by was, "Wow, someone is going to have a really nice picnic."

Nate-isms

My favorite Nate sayings from this past weekend: “That spiderweb is crooked!” Also: "Uh-oh! I'm walking backwards!"

It's not all trains and trucks any more. Here's Julie with the first just-for-her toy.

This weekend's excursion, a trip out to Hunter's Point abandoned shipyard to find the tucked away and gritty Golden Gate Railroad Museum. A group of true train affectionados were busy restoring a very rusty old steam locomotive and giving tours to a half-dozen other parents, each couple carrying a wide-eyed toddler boy.