Oh How Her Garden Grows

Cinderella watering the plants -- with a matching sprayer, natch.

All Business About Play

Sometimes play is serious business, as the above photos of Mia (and buddy Colton) demonstrate. While no smiles are on display here, I think she was having a good time at the Discovery Museum. At least the adamant pleas to never leave led to that conclusion.

Who Needs Balloons?

When we told Mia we were having a birthday party for Auntie Christie, she expected our dinner would include party hats and some balloons. And while she might have been disappointed for a second when no decorations were in sight, she soon was smiling over burgers, shakes and good quality time with a dear friend. We love you, Christie!

Full Fleece Jacket

Yes, there is still a Cinderella dress underneath (with Thomas rain boots), but I consider it a small victory when Mia asked for a jacket today while we took Otter for a walk. Now if only we can get over this weather that requires a jacket.

Peekaboo Pals

Squeeze Play

Mia holding onto Kiana for dear life, once she realized the downs of the seesaw come with some bumpy (and high) ups.

Mama Who?

Mia and Dada had some special bonding time this weekend while Mom headed to a wild and crazy bachelorette weekend (well, as wild as a weekend in the tranquil Russian River Valley can be...). A good time was had by all, especially Mia, who was treated to a jampacked schedule of soccer, swimming, restaurants and the beach.

Also, definitely worth the wait: Papi Fred's excellent photos from the last few months, including their trips to NoCal for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and February, as well as our recent trip to San Diego.

Scootie Pie

Mia took advantage of the nice weather and available scooter at Belvedere Park this afternoon. Later, she befriended a six year-old who Mia named Purple Grace (the latter was her actual name) and the two pals could be found mastering the tire swing and sharing some bunny crackers. Purple Grace's little brother was not amused by his sister's divided attention, but I certainly was.

Lily and Mia

Mia and Lily share a special bond, evident during this lovefest at soccer. Guess this is what happens when you hang out pretty much every week since birth.

Zoo Playgroup- Where the Kids are the Exhibit

Playgroup headed to the San Francisco Zoo today. We had a big group today and spent the morning checking out the gorillas, bears and goats. More than the animals, however, the kids seemed most excited to see each other and the hours spent running around after one another seemed to trump the animals. The top photo is of Lily, Riley and Mia playing with the face cutouts. The second is of Mia, Lily and Colton (hiding in the shadows behind them) in a tunnel at the meerkat exhibit.

Don't Forget Your #1 BFF

Piggy was feeling a little insecure about all the recent Otter and Cole hugging. Mia tries to make amends.

Just Another Day at the Office...

Can't David be on vacation all the time? Life is decidedly more relaxed when you can take a drive up to Napa on a Friday morning and enjoy some beautiful weather over delicious food (thanks, Brix) and wine. Mia loved the gardens, which featured snap peas, strawberries, tons of herbs, chard and leeks. Back to the grind on Monday, unfortunately, but it's always nice to know we have the above scenery but an hour away.

Dog Nap

Mia and Otter caught some rays and shuteye this afternoon. They are such buddies these days that I half expect to walk into Mia's room in the morning to find Otter cuddling with her on the teeny toddler bed. Of course, since a sleeping Mia doesn't offer much chance for snacks for Otter, he'll probably stick with his own bed for now.

Water & Bugs

The California Academy of Sciences bravely opened its doors to Mia's preschool class today for our second field trip. I'll add some more photos as I get them, but for now, here are some of the kids posing with the fish (along with Teacher Claire) and stomping some virtual bugs. Mia is the non-yellow-shirt-wearer. You may call such unwillingness to cooperate with the uniform obstinate, but I'll glare at you through my rose-colored glasses and offer the more appealing independent and freethinking.

Monkeys! Pandas! Sharks! Welcome to Wild San Diego

We spent the last many days in San Diego, visiting Grammy and Big Papi. A wonderful time was had by all (including Otter, I hope, who lounged at the Fog City Dog Lodge). Papi holds the keys to the better pictures, but above represent a taste of what we did. We saw the Birch Aquarium, frolicked at the La Jolla Cove, went to the San Diego Zoo (twice) and played at Sea World. The icing on the cake was definitely a performance of the ballet, Cinderella, which Mia attended in full Cinderella gear. She sat transfixed for entire two hour plus production and was absolutely tickled when the star of the show shared a hug, lollipop and stickers with our little girl. A truly special event! More pictures to come, hopefully...

Hugging Cousins

Breaking for Spring

The Glasgows are in town, which means we were in Golden Gate Park hitting the swings and the pedal boats. Mia was ever the lady, crossing her legs while afloat.