Browse Category: outings

Around and Around

On Saturday, we drove out to San Rafael to watch James ride in the San Rafael Twilight Criterium.  It was a series of races that took place in Downtown and the cyclists went basically around a block 40 times as fast as they could.  Since they went around so many times, it was a fun race to watch and I got lots of opportunities to experiment with my camera settings.

It was a pretty warm day out but since James is on a team that’s sponsored by Muscle Milk, we got to hang out under their tent for some relief.  Kumquat did rather well that day and only napped at the beginning.  It was too exciting for her and she seemed to enjoy the noise and all the hustle and bustle around her.  It was also a good trial run for us for Hawaii.  We experienced what it was like to have warmer weather with a sweaty baby and no stroller.  This is us in the Japanese restaurant where we had lunch.

We had to take turns holding and entertaining her while we ate.  It’s an interesting challenge – especially when she’s hungry too.

I managed to get a couple of decent shots of James in the race.  They zoom by so quickly that you have to be just as quick with the focus, pressing the shutter, and moving the camera with the rider.

After James’ two races, he and Jes went to the beer garden while Kumquat and I hung out on the curb watching the other races go by.  We also found a Starbucks along the course and got a really good corner window seat to watch the action in the air-conditioned shop.  I also had to be creative with where I changed her diapers too.

Later that evening, we had dinner at a restaurant that was along the course and saw the pros zoom by from the window.

We finished in time to catch the last half of the race and they were so fast that it was just a blur and a huge gush of wind that would blow by every 30 seconds.

I’m surprised I managed to capture this rider with my camera.

Here’s a video of them going by.  Jes had a good time watching right up front with his trusty cowbell.

Home Cookin’

This morning, Kumquat and I made an impromptu trip down to San Jose to see the Chammys.  Pish and the family flew up for July 4th and Ishya and Billy came over too.  I was also there in time for lunch, which was my aunt’s home cooking.  Awesome.

Ishya and Billy didn’t bring the twins but Katie and Kyle got to hang out with Kumquat for a bit.

It was nice to just hang out in my uncle’s house for the afternoon and catch up with the family.  Wish I could do it more often.

So many kids!

On July 4th, we went to the Bangs’ for a BBQ.  When we arrived, it was swimming with kids.  On the grassy area, there was a blanket laid out with 3 babies seated with their respective parent and there were at least 3 toddlers (including our host, Rowan) wandering around the patio area.  Then there was Jack, the leader of the bunch playing bocce with his dad.  I was so overwhelmed and still felt a little out of place even-though we had an infant there too.

Kumquat hung out on our laps and watched the kids around her.

It was also fun to watch Jack and Reese playing and Jes was even involved in some of the rowdiness.

After we left, we realized that we actually had enough time to pack up the baby and head out to Aquatic Park for some fireworks.  We caught the shuttle bus at the Caltrain station and then walked about a mile to the viewing area.

Made it with about 10 minutes to spare and got a pretty decent view. Kumquat hung out in the front carrier and slept through the whole journey over and the fireworks show. 

We also walked the 3 miles home with a huge crowd of people and cars everywhere.  There was a full moon too.

On our way home, we stopped for pizza.  Despite all the activity and noise, our little chubbawub slept through it all.  She’s definitely my child.

Sailor Husband

This past weekend, Jes spent all day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday sailing in a race.  Here’s a photo of him on the boat.  It’s teeny tiny but it’s the only one we could find.  He’s on the far boat and sitting in the rear.  Sounds like he had a good time and he also came home burnt to a crisp on his nose and forehead.  He also scored a t-shirt for me during their Saturday dinner.

Here’s a photo of our sailor and his first mate.  Aw, how cute.

Hula Practice

Kumquat and I visited hula practice today and it was great to see everyone again.  I also had a great time watching their routines for the Aloha Festival that’s coming up in August.  Makes me want to perform again but all the dances look really hard this time around.  Kumquat enjoyed it so much that she was drooling.  😉

Kumquat LOVED watching the uli uli routine and seemed mesmerized.  I wonder if the rhythms sound familiar to her since I was pregnant with her at the time I was dancing with them.  This is a photo of me at Ho’ike last October when I was 15 weeks pregnant.

I still remember watching the little girls perform last year and was so excited to have my own little girl that may one day be able to join them.  Judging from how she responded today, it looks like hula may suits her just fine. 😛

A Day in Oakland

Yesterday, Kumquat and I spent most of the day in Oakland.

For lunch, we met up with the girls at the usual spot and got to do some catching up. Then once they went back to work, we hung out at Peet’s Coffee. I got to sip my decaf iced coffee and read while Kumquat napped on my lap.

Once she woke up, we headed to Bakesale Betty to pick up a dozen cookies to bring to my co-workers.

At the hospital, everyone was very good about washing their hands or not touching Kumquat if they felt they weren’t clean enough. Kumquat got to play with Sue (my manager), who informally checked her upper body and oral motor skills. KM held her in the classic “Lois Bly” hold too.

I also made a splint for my left wrist to help prevent a strain from picking up a 13-pound (and growing) baby all day. It’s for wearing at night so that I’m not over stretching it while I sleep. I have a tendency sleep with my wrists curled under me, then wake up sore while having to tend to a baby without giving it a chance to warm up. I’ve gotta make sure I don’t end up on disability again from my last “disability”.

After everyone was ready to go, we headed out for Happy Hour to celebrate Teresa’s birthday. I was prepared and brought a bottle for Kumquat to drink for her 7 pm feeding so I was able to enjoy a glass of wine (or two). 😉

Having these girls with me is so nice. They love holding, feeding, and playing with her so I got some “time off” and enjoyed the evening with less to worry about.

To finish the evening, we walked down the street to Fenton’s and got some ice cream. My scoop looks so big next to Kumquat. One day I’ll take her back here for her very own sundae. Can’t wait!