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.

Julie's latest: scootching across the floor on her bottom, pointing to pictures of family, clapping, "singing" with Nate.

Some of the trains were huge.

Another weekend, another train excursion. This time to the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento, both touring inside the many old trains (beautifully kept up) and outside for a ride along the river.

After the Discovery Museum, we drove back into San Francisco to walk around the new George Lucas (Star Wars) campus in the Presidio. There were security guards hiding in the bushes, and we found a nice cafe open to the public. Afterwards, we walked down to Crissy Field. On the way back, Nate insisted on running, his little arms pumping, to be like the joggers on the trail.

Flowers at the Discovery Museum.

Required picture, at the Discovery Museum.

Saturday was a scorcher, so we headed north to Fort Baker across Golden Gate Bridge to the Children's Bay Discovery Museum. Nate didn't want to be pulled from the train exhibit, but then found enough interest to play in the water exhibit outside and the mirrors inside.

Good 'ol Caltrain at the Redwood City station as we walk home from the downtown concert. Nate was in heaven.

Ready to roll. We walked downtown tonight for the free Friday outdoor concerts near City Hall. Nate and I grabbed Mexican food while Gina and Julie protected our table from wine laden but aggressive gray haired ladies. Julie clapped her hands as the music started, and Nate ate half my burrito.

My work went up to Napa for the day earlier this week. Two wineries: Diamond Oaks (great picnic spot, semi-drinkable wines) and Elyse (no picnic spot, fantastic wines).

Entrance to the Google Summer Picnic 2005. The event was bigger than ever this year, it covered both Shoreline park and the entire area in and around our main campus, and had two music stages and many rides. Note the ferris wheel in back. Nate and Julie enjoyed the fishing, ice cream cones, giant tiger slide, fishing pond, and ball house. As we were leaving, Nate uttered the official sign of approval: "I do it again now!"

Nate napping in the stroller, post walk.

Fourth of July, and Julia in the shadows. We had breakfast with the Martins, walked around our neighborhood for several hours to induce a couple of naps, and then did drinks and dinner at the neighbors across the street.

We realized our shots normally show only one or two of us, so we've become bolder asking strangers to take our photo.

Sunday was spent trekking down to Tiburon to catch the foot ferry over to Angel Island. The wind, the waves, the wispy fog all seemed to tire out Nate & Julie (shown passed out). I received a nice sunburn, but it was worth it for the view of San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge and all the sailboats.

Another picture of the steam engine in the redwoods at the top of the hill mid-ride.

Saturday was spent in the mountains near Santa Cruz riding the Roaring Camp Steam Trains. We arrived with enough time to have a picnic lunch before the hour ride up the hillside on a series of switchbacks. One leg of the journey down was a little scary as the conductors let off too much steam (covering those of us in the first car), then lost ability to break smoothly as we lurched down the tracks before building up steam again. As someone said, "with 100+ yr old engines, breakdowns and delays are to be expected."

Dan & Nate, both with birthdays on June 23.

Nate turned 2 on Thursday. No extravagant birthday parties, no 20 friends invading the house. Just Mom's chocolate cake at home, cup cakes at the Martins, and a crown at preschool. And cards. And presents, lots of presents.

Nate's first day at Montecito playschool. I took the morning off from work and took a few pictures as Gina held Julie. It was my first time seeing Nate in a "social" situation, and he seemed to like the drawing, play dough, snacks, bike rides and of course visiting Cocoa Puff the pet rabbit.

Trip home, exhausted boy.

Mount Baker from Dawson family house.

Issaquah park, complete with toy & real railcars.

Last day with Grandma.

Great food, as always.

Ladybug in garden (for Nate).

Everett's Children's Museum & Nate's favorite display.

The Eyerman twins in Issaquah.

Jumping spider!