We're not in Loyola 19 anymore, Toto.

Last week we had a fun visit from my good friend and college roommate, Bridgette and her family. Bridgette and Kevin braved the drive up from San Gabriel with two kids in tow, Carissa (3) and Jonathan (13 months). I racked my brain for things to do that would be fun for them, and decided that the Vasona park train and carousel might be a good fit. Turns out it was! We spent the morning at the park before Sofia started to melt down and then they came over for dinner that night. Unfortunately, I did not get to spend nearly enough time catching up with Bridgette because Sofia was screaming in my ear and Carissa was wanting to watch Michael Jackson's life story on TV. Maybe we can have a legitimate conversation when they all go away to college...

Klaus Family enjoying the train much more than Sofia

First time on the railroad!

Jonathan kicking back on the hammock

Ready for another one Kev?

Quick! Hide the breast pump with that pillow!

Pool Party

Boss Machado sure knows how to throw a party. Complete with poker, pool time and pizza oven - this party was a big hit...and I'm sure it went on much longer than the two hours we were there!

Sofie donned her perfect summertime pool outfit (thank you, Caitlin Debban) and sunglasses to match and lounged in the shade while debauchery ensued around her.

Cool iPhone app "Shake It Photo" takes these old school polaroid-esque shots.

Boss welcomes Sofia to his pad.

Pre-cannon ball pool time

The Fizz-Geralds Tie the Knot

On Friday, August 21st our friends Jeff & Greta tied the knot in a lovely ceremony at a spot called Nestldown in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Jeff is a chef at Dio Deka Greek restaurant in Los Gatos and they catered the meal which was, not surprisingly, delish. It was great to spend an evening out with the family - Jen, Nick and Michael were in attendance too. The wedding had tons of cute, personal details...a photo booth, a candy bar stocked with all their faves, a s'mores pit, a signature drink coined the "Fizz-Gerald" (their last name is Fitzgerald), personalized wine labels on all the wine...I'm sure there was more I'm forgetting or just didn't notice! Thanks for a great time Jeff & Greta!

The happy couple right after they exchanged vows...for the second time.
Apparently, there was a covert private ceremony at Santa Clara Mission the week prior.

Michael, Jennifer & Nick looking fresh even though it was HOT.

I think I had my camera set on purple accent...that pond was actually icky brown.
Steve, Vincent & Michael

Best man Jim Foley brought up volunteers from the crowd to share his feelings with the bride and groom.

Individually wrapped s'mores. Brilliant.

Wet Woody Wednesday...and Thursday

So fabulous, it deserved it's own post.

When Steve asked me many months ago what I'd prefer as my first post-pregnancy drink, I quickly said I was looking forward to a Wet Woody from Gar Wood's on Carnelian Bay (North Shore, Lake Tahoe). I think he meant what would I like him to bring me in the hospital...and since the Wet Woody would have melted before reaching Tahoe City, I had to wait until this week to indulge. But it was worth it...

We enjoyed a couple on Wednesday, during Wet Woody Wednesday when they are only $4.75. And I just realized that I have no idea what they normally cost! Probably $5.00. Then on Thursday, we had some time to kill on the way to meeting Jim and Kristen for lunch, so I requested another. Can't wait for next year!

Tahoe Time

Every year during the first two weeks of August for the past many, many years Steve's family has been traveling to Lake Tahoe. His parents are there both weeks and the kids come when they can. This year Sofia made her debut. After much nervousness about how she would behave during the car ride up and back, it turned out there was nothing to be nervous about. She slept from Meridian Avenue to Truckee...and therefore we didn't stop. On the way home she slept from Tahoe City to Curtner Avenue. We were so proud and my bladder was quite full.

By 4am the first night, after I'd gotten about 5 minutes of sleep, I remembered why we've had Sofia sleeping in her own crib in her own room since about week 2. She makes noise all night long. Her little grunting noises are cute when they are heard faintly over the baby monitor from the other room. Not so cute when they are right there next to you. Steve can sleep through them. I cannot. So at 4:05am on the first night, Sofia was relegated to her own room. Also known as the bathroom. With the door closed it was almost exactly like having the baby monitor with us. I could hear her, but it wasn't so loud that it kept me up. Phew! Crisis averted. Once we got the sleeping situation under control, the time in Tahoe was extremely enjoyable for all. Grammy Marcia was in seventh heaven spending so much time with her and we were thrilled to let her! We were able to have a day on a friend's boat, lunch with friends and a date night out. Sofia was a champ most of the time, having some colicky times here and there, but overall she was great.

Here are some highlights from the week:

Family Dinner while Jen, Nick and Michael were still in town.

Steve cooked up this glorious feast. Ernie and Nick comparing the beef to their hands.

Rocky Ridge beach party on our first night there.
From Left, Ella, Carly, Zoe, Gavin and Cheyne.
And of course the newest addition held by daddy in the back.

Chillin' with Daddy on the couch.

One of Uncle Michael's main goals is to constantly be "testing Sofia's strength."
Here, he introduces her to the fine art of arm wrestling.
Of course, Michael was defeated. At least by cuteness.

Out in Tahoe City. We saw a bear at this exact location a few years ago.

Baby's first wine shop. While I was shopping at the children's store nearby,
Sofia and Daddy found this gem of a wine shop.

After a long day being a pill, Sofia really just needed a dinner out at Jake's.

A very familiar sight:
Grammy figured out quickly that Sofia was enthralled by the wooden beams in the ceiling. Fussiness be gone!

Date night out at West Shore Cafe.

Sadly we learned that it's up for sale, and if no one comes up with the modest
$80 million to buy it, it will likely be closed in September.
Anyone looking for an investment property?

Lunch with the Foleys on the windiest day ever!

Debut of Bjorn

In keeping with my love of all things Swedish (or 'Sverige', as Steve would say), we, of course, had to go with the ever popular Baby Bjorn. Truth be told, I didn't even realize it was a Swedish company until I read the manual this weekend. "Bjorn" should have given it away...

The baby has to be 8 lbs before she is able to ride in the Bjorn, and Sofia is FAR surpassing that at a whopping 10-ish lbs right now. We debuted the rig at the Campbell Farmer's market on Sunday and she loved it. And by "loved it" I mean she fell asleep almost immediately allowing us to continue our Sunday tradition of being swindled by farmers from Watsonville.

Next stop: Ikea

Let's Do Lunch

Steve and I got out for our first date since Sofia's arrival today. We opted for a "lunch date" because we didn't want to subject the babysitter (Grandma Peg) to the witching hour of the evening. She said she was up for "some fussiness" and was willing to do dinnertime, but she really has no idea how bad it can be! We'll save that for later, don't want to scare her off just yet. And of course this evening she is being an angel (so far).

We happily sped off to Santana Row for lunch at the new LB Steak, an offshoot of Left Bank that is in the old Tanglewood spot. It was a glorious day and we sat outside and watched the characters and a Bentley roll by. The guy in the Bentley was drinking a box of milk. Maybe there was Cristal in the box?

Maybe because it was lunchtime and the sun was out...but I didn't feel that guilt that everyone talks about their first time out. I was just happy to be out, wearing a dress (and make-up!) and feeling a little like it was the first day of summer vacation. We didn't have to worry about finding an elevator. Or a parking space big enough to get the car seat out. Or worrying that a screaming baby would interrupt other people's meals. It was rejuvenating and I think we'll do it again!

I didn't get a shot of the escaped parents, but I did take one of the FABULOUS meal.
This is the "Exotic" burger with apricot chutney and avocado. And pomme frites. MMMM.