San Francisco

One of my oldest friends Elisabeth got married in Sonoma over President's Day weekend and it was an occasion I did not want to miss.  Despite the rain that plagued the entire state of California, Elisabeth's wedding was magical.  The rain only enhanced the intimate and cozy atmosphere of the wedding.  I have been to many weddings, but there is something more magical about attending the weddings of someone you were close friends with when you were little- someone who, at the age of six, or nine, or twelve, you shared and helped create your future dreams with.  When I grow up....

Cairo had a great time at the wedding.  I think she thought she was going to Cinderella's wedding.  Erik and Jonah stayed outside during the ceremony because Jonah was having another one of his many antisocial moments.  During the entire ceremony Cairo alternated between sitting on my lap to whisper questions into my ear and leaning around all the people to see what was going on.  Of the many things she whispered to me, I think my two favorite things she asked me were: "Does this mean they can have babies now?" and "When are they going to start twirling?"  You know, Cinderella does twirl with Prince Charming right after they get married.

The kids had special goody bags waiting for them at their plates.

Cairo got to pick whatever she wanted from the candy bar... I guess she's learning that if you're going to do it, go BIG!

Family pictures in the photo booth-

The rest of the weekend was spent visiting and relaxing with my bestest buddy Katie B, her Lili B, and her Mama, Leslie.  Leslie's house if one of my most favorite get-aways.  With large windows over looking the Pacific, a cozy interior, lots of fun toys, amazing food, and even more amazing company you can't help but have a fabulous time.

Saturday morning Cairo, Lili, Leslie and a few other helping hands made some cookies.

On Sunday, we ventured out to the city to the Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park.  We were blessed with blue skies full of puffy white clouds.  In the matter of a few hours we were able to travel from the top of a rainforest to the bottom of the ocean.  The kids' favorite exhibit was the big aquarium full of beautiful colored fish.  They were glued to the glass.

Thanks for the great time Katie and Les!

On the way home we drove through Santa Cruz, stopped at one of our favorite old places to eat, grabbed the kids a extra special sweet treat from the bakery at Whole Foods and headed home....

... headed home to a sick dog who ate two rocks and had to have emergency surgery to remove them.  Thanks Guinness.  There went my new bathroom....