Browse Author: beakatude

Out all day…

ferry plazaOn Saturday, we spent a good part of the day outdoors.  The day started with a walk down to the Ferry Plaza to pick up some fruit from the Farmer’s Market.

DSC_2176We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day.  It was warm and breezy in SF and looked like they had ideal conditions out on the water for sailboat racing.

DSC_2145 The brand new America’s Cup Village now sits at Pier 27.  There are lots of places to sit and watch the race on the big screens.  They also have several bars and eateries along with merchanise stores.

IMG_3761Looks like we also found Jesse’s dream retirement home docked at the village.

DSC_2173We watched one of the Louis Vuitton Cup races today and got a view of the finish.  Look at all the cameras!IMG_7530 IMG_7533We had so much fun exploring the village and Kumquat was so happy to be walking around with us.

IMG_7532After the race, we at ate La Mar Cebicheria.

IMG_3776This restaurant is surprisingly kid-friendly.  The servers couldn’t get enough of Kumquat and there’s a changing table in the restroom!  She even tried some of the tasty plantain and sweet potato chips that they give you while you’re waiting for your food.

 DSC_2187 DSC_2190After lunch, we walked back down The Embarcadero and watched the firemen testing out their water hoses.  It was pretty fun to watch.

IMG_3783We also stopped at Hi-Dive.  The sun was still out and we weren’t quite ready to go home yet.  So, we had some wine and buffalo wings while Kumquat took a second nap in the stroller.

DSC_2196It was nice to just sit in the sun and hang out.  It’s almost as good as being on vacation.

DSC_2202Kumquat was being so good all day that we gave her some time in the sand at the playground before heading home.

It’s a good day when you get home with grubby hands, sunburned noses, and tired feet.

Baby Giraffe

DSC_2096We went to see the baby giraffe at the SF Zoo today.  So cute!

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Just a couple of tips for the zoo:

  1. Pack a picnic.  You’ll save money and there’s lots of grass to lay out a blanket and enjoy the sun.
  2. They serve wine and beer near the cafe.IMG_3701
  3. If you choose to eat at the cafe, be on the lookout for a sneaky seagull who will swoop in on your table and take your chicken sandwich.  I was sitting AT THE TABLE when this happened and he didn’t care.  I yelled “NO!” but it was gone in less than a second.
  4. Go early.  It’s when the animals are most active and it’s less crowded.

Morning Run

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I was up before anyone else in the house this morning so I laced up and snuck out for a Long Run. I had forgotten how peaceful it can be at 6:45 am on a Saturday. All you see outside are a few other runners, bums sleeping, vendors setting up at the Farmer’s Market, and the bay.

20130706-230029.jpgI managed to finish 4 miles but it was at a snail’s pace. Oh well, at least I’m getting closer to 6. That 10K is creepin’ up on me.

New Cheekster Member!

DSC_1994Kumquat and Sophie have a new member to their Cheekster Club and she beats out both of them!

DSC_2018Introducing Vivian Jane who was born this morning at 1:44 am.  She was a week overdue and still really wasn’t in the mood to meet us all when it was time to enter the outside world.

DSC_2021I was lucky enough to visit them at the hospital today after work and Stephanie is doing well.

DSC_2054Vivian weighed in at a healthy 9 lbs, 14 oz. and measured 21 inches. Wowza.

IMG_3594Her aunties and I were so excited to meet her today and to welcome her to the big world.  IMG_3593Thanks for letting us crash your recovery room today!!IMG_3592Congratulations to Stephanie and Nathan!DSC_2009

Nice work, Steph.  Enjoy your newest family member.  Time really flies so try to take in every moment.  Let me know if you need anything!!

Tahoe Weekend

IMG_3544On Friday, we drove to South Tahoe to meet up with Sylvia and James.  They have a timeshare at a resort just next to Heavenly and they invited us to stay in their 2-bedroom suite for the weekend.

IMG_3450The drive up was in heavy traffic but we made it with just enough time to enjoy the sunset and some drinks and dinner in the village.

IMG_7329The next morning, we made a big breakfast and then packed up for a day at the beach.  We ended up at Zephyr Cove Beach where it’s a popular hangout for college kids. We got a spot in the back and set-up a big shady tarp for a view of the lake and all the partying happening around us.

IMG_3490I was amazed at how Kumquat kept herself occupied for so long by playing with the sand and the bucket/shovel that we brought from home.  I actually got to crack open a magazine and relax a bit.  Jesse and James also BBQ’d around the corner and we enjoyed chicken wings, corn, and sausage under our little campsite along with a box of wine.

IMG_3529Later in the evening, we went out for dinner at the casinos and walked around a bit in the warm evening weather.

IMG_3550Our drive home on Sunday was smooth with the exception for a 5-mile stretch of traffic in Davis where it was 104 degrees outside.  All-in-all it was a good but short trip.