I've got wheels, they're multiplyin'

You would think Sofia had just turned 16. Why does a one year old need so many modes of transportation? Because she has places to be, people to see.

Grammy and Nono's birthday gift to Sofia was this awesome take on the old school Radio Flyer.

These wheels are best for trips to Grammy's when she needs to bring lots of "stuff." (i.e. Mom and Dad need to cart alcohol somewhere)

Uncle Michael had this special speedster on the radar for many months before Sofia's birthday and he unveiled it at her party. It's so stylish and retro, we're sure Sofia will love it...as soon as her feet touch the ground.

The current favorite mode of transport is the Push Around car. This was a gift from Sofia's buddy Meghan. The best part was that Meghan came over and put the car together! Sofia assisted.
Everyday, multiple times a day, Sofia makes the sign for "car" and points out the back door. Sometimes we can get away with just wheeling her around the yard, but most days it's a full lap around the block.
She keeps her hat in the boot.

Then there is the iconic Cozy Coupe that I bought on sale at Toys R Us many months ago. It sat in its box in the garage until the Cozy Coupe Engineer/Angel arrived from Denver last week. Uncle Jim spotted the box and offered. And who am I to turn down free labor?

Steve practically did cartwheels when he came home from work.

He Loves LA

We said farewell to our buddy Mike Braun as he ditches Nor Cal to head back to LA. It was a good few years Mike had working for JVC (Jesuit Volunteer Corps) in San Jose, but he's moving on to bigger and better things. He hopes. But first, a European vacation that includes Oktoberfest in Germany "because I was already going to be in Amsterdam... and isn't that what they do over there?"

Mike met us for lunch at one of Steve's favorite hole in the wall noodle joints, Dalat. It was also Sofia's first time. I think she liked the combo pho the best.

A Park With a View

July 24th we headed up for Sofia's first trip to San Francisco to visit the Keane and Thompson families. It was a full-fledged SF playdate - complete with views of the city and no sun to speak of. We had a great time playing at the Alta Plaza playground in Pac Heights and then enjoyed a chaotic and fun lunch at the Keane's place nearby.

Baby Constantine (3 months) all snuggly.

Golden locks blowing in the wind.

Steph rockin' the Uppa Baby w/ rumble seat.

Alexia (2), pro slider.

Bryan gets taken for a ride by Savvy (2). Certainly won't be the last time.

Jen & Juliana (7 months) hangin' in the sand.

This kid knows how to relax.

I know, it's surprising.

FIFA who?

One June 26th we headed to the Imelli's to watch the USA get their butts kicked by Ghana in the World Cup match. Claire got these cute pictures of the kids. Grant & Lauren shared their homemade vuvuzela that wasn't nearly as annoying as the ones on TV.

Screw this bottle, gimme that 40.

Guilty.

Vuvuzelllllla.

Escape to the Beach

The Housewives of Willow Glen (and the Rose Garden) escaped for a fun weekend to the beach. And by "beach" I mean the chilly spot where the fog lands in Northern California in July. And by "housewives" I refer to only three of the five of us. Although the other two would argue that they do that job in addition to their paid careers.

Thanks to Robin who was able to reserve her family's condo at Seascape for the weekend. We had a front row view of the ocean, easy walk to coffee, dinner, hot tub & pool. An evening of wine and Italian food in Capitola and then another day of shopping in Capitola and lunch on the deck at Zelda's. Good times!

Lea, me, Claire, Arlene & Robin

It was even better to get reports from the Dads that the kids were all having fun back in the heat of the 408.

Dinner @ Palapas...where our waiter had recently competed in a Ernest Hemingway lookalike contest in Spain. Wish we'd gotten a pic of him...

Red, White and Sof

We gave Sofia a week to get used to being one year old and then threw her a party. To accommodate the family's busy travel schedules, it worked out that the most convenient time to celebrate the big O-N-E was on the fourth. And who am I to argue with a built-in party theme? Our little firecracker embraced her shared party by sporting some glitter and tulle. Never have the stars and stripes been cuter.

Dancing with Grandpa.

Decor.

The cooks, the cigars, the ribs and the smoker.

Yummies. And the adorable Sofia look-alike cake topper, a gift from Susie. When it arrived in the mail, there was no card, but it looked very much like another great cake topper I'd seen somewhere before...

Family photo with the finger making sure that molar is still on its way.

Girlfriends!
Gabriella (2.5) & Lauren (3.5)

G Man (15 mos)

Dominic (14 mos) doing laps in the pool.

Before

After - Hooray for blue frosting!

Happy Birthday to the Little Firecracker and America!