Afternoon Snack

So cute, I could eat her up. Mia, in contrast, preferred a bagel.

Slumber Party

Well, I said no more birthday parties for awhile, but last night our house was witness to another kind of celebration -- Mia's first slumber party. Her guest was none other than her furry friend, Otter, who decided to sleep all night in her room for the first time ever. Pretty cute hearing Mia's first words upon waking up and seeing him snoozing next to her bed. "Otter! Hey Buddy Buddy. Whatcha doing down there?" Won't be long before they're exchanging ghost stories, braiding each other's hair, and indulging in an all-night John Hughes movie marathon.

Party Overload

Some photos from a birthday party this weekend, post-dragonboats (hence the dragon tribal tattoo on Mia's arm). One more party on tap for Cousin Cole (how is he already one?!?) and then I think we'll retire our party shoes for at least a couple of months. Even princesses need a break between balls.

Just Another Day at the Office

Playgroup: The Lost Photos

One of the playgroup moms uncovered some playgroup photos from the last few months and passed them along to us. My favorites:

Row, Row, Row the Dragonboat

On a very, very hot Bay Area day, we headed to Treasure Island, where the Dragonboat Festival awaited us. The races look a lot like rowing, except there is a person beating a drum at the top of the boat. Aside from the races, there was much to see and do:

One of the boat races:

Traditional dragon and lion dancing:

A dragonboat for kids to try out. Here's Mia beating the drum:

Furry dragons to hug and pose with:

The slightly more obscure otter mascot, wearing a swimsuit:

The quite delicious Chairman Bao Bun truck:


Somehow, we managed to escape sunburn or heatstroke. Perhaps the good luck lion dance worked after all.

Friday Friends

A September heat wave "forced" us to the beach today for some quality sand and water play. Oh, the tragedy.

Feeling the Music

Nothing like a little Mozart to get Mia into the interpretive dance spirit.

Another Zoo Field Trip

Another warm day, another trip to the zoo. This time, it was Oakland Zoo, where Dailey, Kiana, Mia and an ever-elusive Dash gawked at elephants, lemurs and giraffes. The rides were a big hit, too, except with the moms, who took one look at their three little girls driving a car together and had a frightening flash-forward to the year they turn sixteen.

Do Re Mia

Mia has added Sound of Music to her repertoire. Julie Andrews, watch your back.

Globe Trotter

Along with her preoccupation with work, Mia has also been asking a lot of questions about where various people live (including Cinderella) and where David goes on his business trips. The answer to her queries appeared today in the mail and after a quick tutorial, she was happy to point out California and Florida -- home to family and her favorite bi-coastal princess.

Open Season

A new season of ballet began today, with Mia a new student at the Marin Dance Theater. It is decidedly more serious than the Tutu School, with a required uniform and -- gasp! -- no tutus on the dance floor. Despite her reservations, Mia was in heaven once class was in session. There was a spot for Piggy and two stuffed friends, so how bad could it be?

Mia's First Ballet Class- Marin Dance Theater

Sunday Bunch

Turning lemons into lemonade, a few daddy-less playgroup families convened this morning to share some bagels and laughs. Highlights included turning a wagon into a train and an energetic dance party. And a few cuddles on the couch, of course.

Indian Summer

It's post-Labor Day, which means we are finally getting to enjoy summer-like temperatures whilst in San Francisco. We took advantage of a fogless day to visit our animal friends at the SF Zoo. Mia was almost as thrilled to see the plastic flamingo display as she was the actual animals. We met her buddy, Lily. Mia + Lily = many hug breaks. Here they are checking out the penguins.

Off To "Work" She Goes...

Mia has developed a fascination with work -- asking when and where the various adults in her life work and what they do when they get there. Turns out that our imaginative toddler holds down quite a few jobs, telling us on different occasions that she works at the Academy looking at and playing with butterflies, walking in New York, dancing ("everywhere" in case you wondered about the destination), and my favorite "looking for pandas in China." While I admire the creativity, her current occupation is more likely found in the Seashore Classroom at her preschool, where she can be found seriously and studiously making large towers:

At least she is doing so in high-fashion.

Let's Go Fly a Kite

We played hard on Labor Day, finally making good on a promise to help Mia realize her Mary Poppins dreams. Admittedly, we had doubts about our $5 blue butterfly kite, but it served us well at a windy, but gorgeous Crissy Field. Auntie Chelsea was here this weekend to add to the merriment.

In Concert For One Night Only

Mia treated us to a little concert this evening. Prior to her folksy rendition of the ABCs, Dad and Mia jammed together:

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

I've always loved the Staples commercial. While I'm not quite so eager to see my little one gone three days a week, it will be nice to fall into a routine again, one where attention to personal fitness is not entirely ignored and phone calls can be returned without interruption. For her first day back, Mia selected an old favorite -- sorry Piggy, I suppose you're not that old.