Julie's Third Birthday

 

 

 

 

Our next president, hopefully

Barack Obama visited Google this week.

Trip to Davis

We drove up to Davis on Friday for a two night stay so I could attend my winemaking chemistry class at the University. I had my agenda, but we needed to somehow make this kid-friendly. Of course, kid-friendly for us means train-related, so we hit the Nut Tree on the way up for some basic train rides and a too-scary plane ride for Julie (quickly pulled off after she started crying). While I was in class on Saturday, Gina took the rainy weather in stride by hitting a nearby park and Jelly Belly tour which turned out to be a big hit. On Sunday we walked through the scenic and gorgeous Davis Arboretum, then drove through the Delta wine country, including a surprise necessary trip across a tiny river ferry (only one of two public state ferries in the river). We finally arrived at the Western Railroad Museum, a large non-profit venture aimed at maintaining and running a variety of early 1900's electric trains. What a blast! We grabbed a hot dog, and rode around the park several times before heading home.

Halloween Night

 

 

 

 

The Stats
House decorations: large spiderweb across entry
Costumes: Same as last year
Pumpkins carved: 7
Trick-or-treaters at door: only 2 dozen
Blocks visited: 3 (Nate), 1 (Julie)
Candy Acquired: too much

Getting Ready for Halloween Night

 

 

 

 

Google Halloween Party

 

 

 

 

Thankfully Google separated the kids Halloween party from the adult event this year, but it was still jam-packed. Nate danced on stage with the guitarist, and Julie enjoyed her first face painting.

Food Event at Google

On Saturday we attended the food event at Google that allowed kids to learn about making (and eating) different kinds of fun foods. Apparently it was also a kick-off/benefit for a new PBS show called Doof - Food Backwards. Of all the events, we most enjoyed making pizza, dipping Oreos in gourmet chocolate, petting goats, meeting the author of "Moosewood Cookbook", and making bagel faces.

Day in San Francisco

We were in San Francisco the day before to attend the Noe Valley Harvest Festival, but decided to make the drive back again to enjoy the touristy fare. We visited all the fish, turtles, snakes, and other animals at the Steinhart Aquarium in South of Market before walking up to Moscone for lunch at the Metreon, playground fun, and a ride on the large carousel.

Noe Valley Harvest Festival

Our friends Peter and Beth invited us to San Francisco for a little Harvest Festival fun in their neighborhood of Noe Valley.

Another Pumpkin Farm Outting

Bike Ride

Nate and I rode our bikes along Crystal Springs Reservoir (a flat paved trail) for two miles. Nate wanted to test out every bench, and on the way back snacked on fruit chews and almonds.

More pics from the visit

 

 

 

 

A visit from the Grandparents

 

 

 

 

Ming Ming

 

Nate and Ming Ming, his favorite duck and constant companion.

1931 Deodara

 

 

 

 

Some random shots from our last days at 1931 Deodara. We're all happy the house sold (and over asking), but can't help but be sad for leaving a place with so many memories. Gina especially.