Star Baby!

I entered Claire in the Star Baby contest for a local radio station. Isn't she just too darn cute? We'd appreciate all the votes we can get! Vote here. And guess what? You can vote every day! Claire will reward you with hugs and kisses.

Midsummer Opening Night

Wow, have I been busy these last few weeks! I've been preparing for the opening of A Midsummer Night's Dream, which was last night. We've had weeks of rehearsals and a week of previews. Last night we had a successful opening with a great crowd. Hopefully we'll get some good reviews. :) I love this show! It has great music (Mendelssohn and a composer here from New York, Mark Bennett who is super talented and very gracious.) We got so spoiled with all the opening night treats and goodies: roses, cookies, fruit baskets, sparkling cider, chocolate-covered strawberries, brownies, cake, candles, candy (and that was all before the show.) Afterward, we had two cast parties - one for the cast, crew and orchestra and another for everybody who attended the show, which we were, of course, invited to. The latter was pretty loud, crowded and hardly any food. I actually preferred the quiet outdoor party with an excellent spread. The show runs until August 22, so let me know if you'd like to come see it! If you like Shakespeare and you like music, you'll love this show.

Yes, this is an upside-down piano. The concept is that love turns one's world upside-down. And that gives you a little preview of the show. :)


Roses and cookies from the student board


Fruit from the composer


Cookies from the music director


Sparkling cider for a toast before the show


Candy and candles were left on everyone's chairs in the orchestra

Seaport Village

I was born and raised in San Diego and I had never been to Seaport Village before today. Since Liz and Emme are here with us, so we decided to be tourists and go down to the harbor. It was a fun day. We had lunch there, but it wasn't the best food. It wasn't horrible, but it wasn't melt-in-your-mouth either. The weather was pretty chilly (in JULY), but it was still nice. All in all, we're glad we went.

I feel welcomed

Isn't it enchanting?

Baby ducklings!

Pretty harbor


She knows how to pose


Mama loves baby


How would you like to eat at a restaurant with this guy staring you down?


This is Scooter


Isn't this the coolest thing? I would have LOVED to ride in it. I don't even want to know how much it costs.

Cousins!

We are privileged to have Aunt Liz and Cousin Emme staying with us for a few days. It's been a blast so far and we've barely even started!

Bath time!

Alfalfa babies!


How stylish


Mamas and babies


Nothin' cuter than babies in a laundry basket


Story time

God Bless America

We celebrated the 4th of July (aka Jordan's birthday) by relaxing at the park. They have a bunch of acts onstage throughout the day, but the highlight is the San Diego Marine Corps Band just before the fireworks. We got to the park around 3 and found a spot next to a big tree. The upside: lots of shade during the day. The downside: not a great view of the fireworks. But, it was such a wonderful day. We relaxed and ate fried chicken for dinner, plus tons of snacks and apple pie and birthday cake for dessert. The weather really could not have been any better. I remember at one point during the day thinking that I didn't want the day to end. It was just perfect! Claire enjoyed her first fireworks, but fell asleep halfway through. But, at least they didn't scare her. She was a trooper, as always. Hope everyone had a happy 4th!!

Happy grandpa, happy baby


Claire loves her Great-Grandma


The birthday boy turns 20 (the cake has blueberries and strawberries in the shape of a flag)


Yes, he got a princess bag


There was a Geico booth set up and what better way to advertise than to send a giant gecko around the park to harass people


Patriotic mama and baby

Just relaxing (Claire's all worn out)


There's nothing in the cup, but I think she looks adorable imitating the adults


And she decided to help herself to the cheese puffs


The band played some great stuff this year, including Pirates of the Caribbean and Star Wars. Of course the played the classic patriotic songs as well.


Not the greatest view, but the silhouette looks pretty cool


I didn't get a chance to get a good picture, but Claire fell asleep on my shoulder with her glow stick in hand. It was so cute!

Happy 27th to Douglas!

Tonight, a bunch of us got together and bbq'd hamburgers, bratwursts, chicken and steaks. Add garlic mashed potatoes and it was the perfect meal! Top it all off with cheesecake, oreos and s'mores and you've got yourself the perfect evening! Mmmm, I love food! We played games and sang songs and just had a really fun time. Happy birthday, Douglas!