Party Animals

We went to the third birthday party of our friends, Annika and Daphne, today and the featured entertainment was an animal show full of all sorts of furry and slinky critters. As the video demonstrates, Mia was not entertained at all.

The Rain Whisperer

When we left the house this morning, it was 70 degrees and sunny and I understandably questioned Mia's fashion choice of velour dress and train rain boots. Turns out Mia might have a knack for predicting the weather, however, since by the time we got to the SF Zoo, it was 55 degrees and misty. I think my blood is already thinner since our move.

Since there are too many photos of Mia on a carousel, I thought you might enjoy seeing that Cinderella Piggy gets to join in on the merry-go-round fun, too.

Conquering the Deep End

I finally permitted Mia to swim to the deep end (with me a foot away, swim ring in hand), and she amazed me. She can swim end to end with amazing grace and calm. I'm very proud of our little fish! The video is a little hard to follow since I was filming while in the water, but you get the picture... er, video.

Wigging Out

Turns out that an old Halloween costume of mine makes for a fabulous addition to Mia's dressup box.

Iceberg Ahead?

Icebergs? Perhaps not, but Mia served as a seaworthy watchman aboard the park ship during this morning's playgroup at the newly renovated Hamilton Rec Center in San Francisco.

Back here on land in the woodlands, a deer has been terrorizing Otter for the last half hour. I don't think he saw many of those back in the Bronx.

No Frowns Allowed

As we conclude our third week at the new house, we have much to smile about. Good weather, good fun, and lots of good friends (that's Anja snuggling with Mia in the last photo). We are a bit waterlogged from all the swimming, but I'm not hearing too many complaints about that from the resident princess. Rumor around town is that a certain Grandma and cousin are packing their bags for a trip westward ... leave all bad moods in Florida or you'll have Mia to answer to.

Happy Father's Day!

Tiny Dancer

We had some playgroup friends over at the house today for swimming, dress up. A little dance party involving Mary Poppins broke out:



Here is a solo dance party from our friend Lisa's wedding a couple of weeks ago. She would have danced until dawn if given the option.

Because We Needed Another Cinderella Around the House

Aunt Chris noticed Mia's ever-present Cinderella dress was looking a little ratty, so she kindly sent her another one this week. Even better, she sent a matching ensemble for Piggy -- which Mia thinks just might be the most amazing thing ever to happen. Thanks, Chris!!

Four of a Kind

Drop-in gymnastics followed by lunch at Crissy Field makes for a fun day for both moms and kids. The gorgeous weather didn't hurt either, although Mia is prepared for rain, just in case.

Gilroy Gardens, the Action Version

Friends, Old and New

This weekend, I was lucky enough to have one of my best, oldest, dearest friends visit me from New York (thanks, Christie!). We had such a nice time together and I count among my greatest blessings this friendship that I've had since I was fourteen. Over many drinks and many conversations, I was reminded of how wonderful and rare it is to have a person in your life who can complete your thoughts, be there to analyze the big and small, and laugh over memories (good and bad).

Today, the playgroup hit the road for a day at Gilroy Gardens. I've mentioned it before, but it is truly remarkable how close knit this little crew is and how much fun they have together. It warms my heart beyond my wildest expectations to see my daughter forming the bonds of friendship so early on in her life. I hope that she, too, is waxing nostalgic one day, decades from now, about a fun weekend with Kiana, Lily and rest of her buddies.

Mia's Guitar Hero

Chances are, if David is trying to sneak in a few minutes on his new guitar, Mia will be trying to sneak her way into a jam session. Here are father and daughter sharing a musical moment. Meanwhile, Otter has very little trouble adhering to the guest room's slogan:

...And We're Back.

After some bumps on the road to internet connectivity, we are up and running at the new house. Today was Mia's last day of school for the year, which meant a party and an ice cream cone. I'm happy to report that we are all adjusting to our new surroundings, with naps (and even the beloved "quiet time") seemingly the only thing left at the old house. Otter is a little uncertain about the increased presence of wildlife in the new 'hood, but is quite obviously thrilled to have lots of room to roam and catch some rays.

Signing Off...For a Few Days

We have finally reached moving day! Here are a couple photos, taken by Aunt Chris a few weeks ago, to keep our immense readership happy until we get the Internet up and running at the new house.