Pretty!

With love from an obliging bush!

Xoxo

Chinese New Year 2!

We are in the thick of celebrating Chinese New Year at Hong Fook! Things are pretty much the same as last year, so not too many photos. I was, however, given this new jacket from Hong Kong: it is hand embroidered and, though too big, my clients loooove that I wear traditional clothing!

More photos to come after Tuesday, when we have the lion dancers back!

Xoxo

Chilly Weekend in Seattle

We went up to see the kiddos this weekend and had so much fun! I am always impressed with Ben and Lia for making sure the kids are outside playing no matter what! The kids love it!

We went to the best park ever: there is a playground, a field for playing football, a bridge over train tracks, and a beach! Mr. Brit and Aya found this little guy. "He has a smiley face!"

Maylin is growing so quickly! She runs all over, loves to play, and is such a little sweetie!

"I'm cool like Daddy"

Xoxo

Just hanging out

Laughing with my boys...

Xoxo

Supper club

We have been having or making dinner with friends at least once a month for almost a year now. Tonight was Mongolian barbecue family dinner and it was delicious!

I also got to try out Ellie's new mattress, which has confirmed my belief that I need to buy a new mattress!

Xoxo

Planning for Italy

I woke up early this morning so excited for the trip! I've started this "calendar" to keep track of who, what, when, and where. Yay!!

Xoxo

Busy, fun weekend

Our weekend began on Friday at the Oakland Museum of California. We ate at the food trucks and then visited the special quilt show.

After a hearty breakfast Saturday morning, I went on my first long bike ride in quite a while: 40ish miles with my friend Ellie. We rode through rain and sunshine on muddy paths and city streets. It was awesome!

Sunday was grocery shopping, the gym, and a busy day of little projects. Brit installed my bike rack (yay!) and I made t-shirts and dresses for the kiddos. I even figured out how to put words onto and then print my own photo from Yosemite to put on a shirt!

My photo on a shirt!!

Lots of fun clothes for the kiddos!

Xoxo

I love El Niño

Sure my morning run is chilly and wet, but it is so worth it!

Yay rain!

Xoxo

The cabin

I realized I've never posted a picture of the actual cabin! Here it is at it's finest:

Xoxo

New Years in Tahoe

Brit and I joined his parents and niece at the Tahoe cabin this weekend for some relaxation and family time in the snow. 

We have no propane because the truck couldn't get across the icy bridge, so we are heating with fires and a space heater and not taking showers (no hot water).

It is an unbelievably beautiful place in the winter.

We played a great game of scrabble before eating black eyed pea soup (HORRAY for the crock pot!) and watching "The Empire Strikes Back"! 

Brit and I will wander around town a bit today before heading back to Oakland. I hope your New Year's Eve and weekend were great!

Xoxo

Christmas Eve

Mexican food and family! I'm missing mine. 

Climber Santa!

Making and eating tortilla chips!

Xoxo

Oh Christmas

Just about the best gift ever!

Xoxo

Happy Birthday

Today is Brit's birthday and I surprised him with a camping trip in Half Moon Bay. It is pretty close to the city, but far enough away to get to relax. We went on a bike ride along the coast today, will grill salmon for dinner, and will go knickknack shopping tomorrow (one of his favorite, most surprising, pastimes).

Xoxo

Birthday cake

I love learning about the different Asian cultures at work. Today is our Vietnamese program director's birthday and we have a very beautiful cake for her!

Xoxo

Christmas Surprise

Brit helped a friend get her tree and put it up yesterday and came over with a wreath for me! It was such a sweet surprise and really helps get into the spirit!

Xoxo

Stuck!!

I tried to go to my new gym around 5 this morning and...couldn't get out!!! The handle of my door would turn, but nothing happened!

I took the doorknob off, called Dad, and pried it open. I didn't leave for the gym and instead packed for Boston while I waited for the maintenance man to come and see it. He will be back later to replace the knob and I will use the deadbolt in the mean time. Thank goodness I have good, trustworthy neighbors and a wonderful Dad!!!

Xoxo

Chalk art

I asked Sylvie to draw the tag along bike from our ride. She really is an awesome artist! 

Xoxo

Calistoga Bike Ride!!!

EWe had a blast on our bike/wine tour today! Sylvie and Dan even had an awesome "tag along" bike!

Unfortunately, I fell off my bike and got the wind knocked out of me, which was weirdly scary!

Safe and sound back in Calistoga, we are getting ready for another awesome dinner!

Xoxo

Morning Run

Inspired by Melissa and Dan and itching to see more of the area, I bundled up and went running this morning. I'm so happy I did!

Xoxo

Auntie

Our new pianist/vocal coach at choir, Wendy, has a 7 month old son who comes to choir with her. The babysitter didn't show up tonight, so I eagerly offered to babysit. He's such a cutie!

Xoxo

Wine and castle!

Wine tasting and animals at a castle! "So cool!" 

Xoxo

Flying!

Melissa, Sylvie, and I flew over Napa this morning in a hot air balloon! 

Xoxo

Hot air balloon

We're getting ready to fly!

Xoxo

I love visitors!

Xoxo

Weekend

We've had a great weekend home, catching up on chores and relaxing. Now we are at the very cool New Parkway Theater to see "Inside Out"! 

Xoxo

Seattle Family

We got to hang out this morning, took Maylin and Ali on a run, played and wrestled, and then went to the museum across from Benjamin's job. Now Blue C Sushi and then home to relax tonight!

Xoxo