Come Lounge With Me

Mia can't get enough of the pool at the new house. I have a feeling we might not be seeing much of the great indoors this summer...

Take Your Daughter (and Wife) To Work Day

David's company switched their offices this week and we stopped by on Saturday to get him settled and to enjoy the jawdropping views. With this as his backdrop, I guess I shouldn't be surprised if he suddenly is working later than usual. Earlier in the day, we headed to Crissy Field to enjoy the sun and surf. During lunch, Mia enjoyed this homage to love on Chestnut Street:

Dress Rehearsal

We are going to a wedding next weekend and Mia has a new dress to celebrate the occasion. Today she requested that she try on her fancy frocks and a little fashion show ensued. Yes, that is Mia giving one of her biggest fans a kiss in the mirror.

Crash and Burn

Mia was enjoying her trike this evening, which she is finally starting to ride on her own a lot more. Until, of course, I let her go solo down a very little hill without the steering control locked, which resulted in Mia's First Wipeout. The tears subsided shortly after I mentioned that boo boos meant picking out princess band-aids and, as you can see, the fact she gets to wear three might mean she'll be back in the saddle again by morning. Also helping her to heal? Turns out Piggy had her clumsy moments on the bike, too. She fell on the way home and had to get a band-aid, too. Way to take one for the team, Piggy.

Just In Case

Dear Mia,

Your parents attended a fundraiser for your school a couple months ago and were super excited when we placed a winning bid on this magnificent class art project. We were told by Teacher Claire that you picked out the colors -- shades of blue, of course -- and we have truly enjoyed it in all of its glittery glory as it has rested in the middle of our dining room table since we brought it home.

Now that we are moving, there is a small chance that this priceless item might somehow slip through the cracks and get lost. I know this would be a tragedy of the highest degree. To make sure we at least have this "sculpture" documented in some way, I'm posting photographs. That way, if by some crazy accident this very prized possession doesn't make it the ten miles to the new house, you will know it wasn't because we didn't LOVE it.

Love,
Mom & Dad

Field Trip of Dreams

Mia's preschool headed to the San Francisco Zoo today for a field trip. We've been the zoo a million times, roughly, but there was something magical about seeing it through the eyes of all the kids and teachers Mia adores so much. It was a great day with great weather, even if it marked another school gathering where Mia refuses to wear her "required" yellow t-shirt. Here are some more photos.

Tree Hugger

Mia had a fun time today hanging out with trees of all shapes and types (for climbing, sitting upon, and even when they have been used to make a nest). The giant bell had little to do with trees, except that from its perch we got a great view of some -- along with that big bridge that seems to follow us everywhere.

Sunday Brunch Entertainment

Gone are the weekend brunch days of sipping mimosas to the soothing sounds of a jazz quartet (did we ever do that?), but proving that being parent marks not the end of fun but simply fun of a different sort, we enjoyed a brunch with Uncle Brian, Aunt Chris & Cousin Cole. Mia contributed the tunes, singing her special renditions of Mary Poppins classics and nursery rhyme standards, while Cole contributed his too-cute-for-words smiles. A crappy Blackberry phone camera, above, captured the memories.

Moving Days Are Here Again

Mia came home from school to find the living room full of moving boxes, confirmation of the reality that we are, indeed, moving to a new house in a couple of weeks. Mia doesn't appear to be bothered by the cramped quarters, having discovered a pile of cardboard makes for a fun lounger and/or playground.

Otter, a veteran of a half dozen moves while living with the Coreys, has a different reaction:

"Again? Really?!? Call me when its over."

Out of a Fog

This afternoon, we enjoyed a bike ride and time in the park with views of San Francisco in the background. I love the SF fog, but readily admit that I prefer to enjoy it from a safe distance.

Cruising in Style

Because you never know when the occasion may call for semi-formal dress, Mia selected a sequined, silk number for her trip aboard the Academy of Sciences playboat today.

Ready For Her Closeup

These are photos snapped by San Francisco Family Photographer, Joey Chandler, at the party we went to last week. I thought he captured our little performer quite accurately as she boogied down and enjoyed the live music.

Lights, Camera, Action!

A few videos for your viewing pleasure. The singing clip is Mia doing her best Mary Poppins impression, singing "Spoon Full of Sugar" in the car -- not my best video work, but her knowledge of the lyrics confirms just how frequently we are listening to the soundtrack these days.

Modern Cinderella Story

So, the glass slippers have been turned in for blue sneakers and the horse is made of tin, but otherwise, Cinderella is alive and well in Marin County.

Sunny Days Are Here Again

We opted for a quiet day at home today, which gave Mia a chance to play in the backyard while giving me a chance to make up for some lost time with my camera. Sorry, I was a little trigger happy -- here are (many) more photos:

Sunny Days Are Here Again

Butterfly Social

Mia told everybody with ears today all about the party she was attending, a local opening shindig for a hotel. It featured, as you can see above, face painting and live music, arts & crafts and lots of fun with friends. At one point, she found a tree stump near the musician and danced for the audience, posing for the party photographer when he walked by. To say I'm a little nervous about the teenage years is an understatement -- I see my future, one filled with keeping her away from dance clubs and fake IDs, and I can hardly wait.