Marvelous May

Despite only getting a couple of gorgeous spring days this month we've had a marvelous May so far. Have I mentioned how amazing Keira's teachers are at her daycare center? To illustrate just how wonderful they are, check out the Muffins with Mom event they put on for Mother's Day. The kids helped make muffins and practiced special "mom" songs they serenaded us with. It was so sweet and well-planned out. I definitely felt very loved.

Keira's teacher, Ms. Rose, kicked off the event

The kids line up to serve their mommies with yummy treats

Yesterday Keira had her good friend, Myaura, over to our house. Suddenly our home was filled with double the amount of giggling, incessant chatter, the pitter patter of running feet...It was great! 

Two little pastry chefs

Frosting and decorating her cupcake

Today we are off to the Zoo and while Mark is at basketball this afternoon, Keira and I will spend some mommy-daughter time at the movies to see Rio. And, on Wed, my little girl will turn four! I can't believe it...It seems like yesterday she was a just a baby. *sigh*

Easter Weekend

We've continued the fun this spring despite the variable weather. Easter weekend was particularly fun for us when Rachel, Katelyn and Kristin came to visit us from Ohio. Keira had a blast with her cousins around and we all enjoyed Easter Sunday with Grandpa Jim and Grandma Margaret.

Cousins enjoying a late-night movie

Keira liked having a "big sister" around

We took the kids to Nickolodeon Universe and had a blast!

Our last ride of the afternoon was the ferris wheel - Whee!

The little diva was ready for Easter

Yummy Easter frosting

This grin says it all...Frosting = Yummy

Celebrating the girls' birthdays a little early

San Francisco - A Quick Rundown

About a month has passed, but I'm still thinking back on our San Francisco trip earlier in April, especially after all the gray, rainy weather we've been having lately. When we were in in San Francisco, it was nothing but gorgeous blue skies and sunshine! 

Linh and Steve had a rough ride in with a cranky little girl. I never thought my sweet, angelic niece could scream so loud or run her parents so ragged. I guess every little girl has her limits. Then the family got sick - really sick. It was definitely not the vacation they hoped for. However, they were absolute troopers and managed to have a great time despite all the setbacks. 

Here's the condensed version of our trip taken Apr 2-6...Yes, we crammed in a lot in this short amount of time. Our traveling family included Linh, Steve, Grace, Van, Nam (who lives in San Fran), Mark, Keira and me.

Gracie's cool shades

Did I mention the sunshine?

We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn in Napa. I'd highly recommend it for those traveling with kids. The rooms were sufficiently large with a fridge, microwave and free wi-fi too. It's also conveniently located to Target, Whole Foods and an outlet mall too!! Getting to downtown Napa and all the wineries was a snap and I even enjoyed a nice 3-mile run in the morning with the beautiful California landscape surrounding me.

Boon Fly Cafe was an awesome breakfast place we randomly picked to go to. It was fantastic! I highly recommend it. My cousins enjoyed Green Eggs and Ham...Dr. Seuss would be proud.

Eggs in a hole

Boon Fly Cafe

Van, Linh, me and Nam at Domaine Chandon - I loved the rose!

Yep - we got to Golden Gate and took the obligatory "tourist" photo

Muir Woods: The redwoods are amazing in person - It's a must see!

My little sister and me

Steve and Linh at Fisherman's Wharf w/Alcatraz in the background

In a quick recap - here's everything we hit: Downtown Napa, Domaine Chandon, Napa Outlet, Muir Woods, Golden Gate, Chinatown, The House (Awesome restaurant!), Citizen Cake (amazing bar/dessert place with a very chill vibe), Fisherman's Wharf, Aquarium, and we even made it to San Jose!! Whew!