Great Visit

We had an outstanding visit to the Bay Area last week. As is usually the case, we did too much to cover with just a few pictures and text. But I wanted to share some of the highlights.

The main reason for the visit were two weddings we were invited to.  The first was in Pescadero, way down the coast past Half Moon Bay.  It was at a YMCA camp set back in the hills among the redwoods.  It rained the whole time, but that seemed only to complement the serene setting.

Dana and Dan amongst the redwood trees along a babbling brook

OK, to be honest it was a little chilly, but who can resist a stop at the beach?

Unfortunately the day we arrived Alex came down with a very nasty stomach bug that prevented him from coming with us.  However while he was sick, he made friends with Bangor, and for the entire rest of the week they were best buddies!  This is a major breakthrough for Alex, who for the last several visits has been very nervous around Bangor - probably due to his very loud WOOF.

Alex shares his blanket with Bangor

Dana and I had both planned to work remotely for the whole week, but that plan quickly fell apart.  First everyone picked up Alex's stomach bug to one degree or another (my Mom and I were probably the worst off).  Then we were shorthanded a couple of days while Grandpa Gene had work to attend to. It was very difficult working from the library where we thought we would find sanctuary from small children.  And finally Genevieve's eye doctor appointments ended up taking up more than half of each of the two days they were scheduled for.  We have learned our lesson and will plan our next trip accordingly.

On Wednesday evening Grandpa Gene, Alex, and I went to the Warriors opening home game.  Alex has become a pretty big basketball fan, and he really enjoyed watching the game in person, not to mention all of the sights and sounds

Watching the game at the Coliseum

Grandpa and Alex had lots of fun together all week.  Alex got to go visit the Baskin Robbins ice cream shop in Vallejo that me, Ali, and Dad used to frequent.  It's still there!

Alex also got the opportunity to go see Grandpa's airplane.  He probably won't get to actually fly in it for a couple of years, until we're sure that he will do exactly what Grandpa tells him and not accidentally (or intentionally) grab any controls.

Alex has really gotten the hang of potty training.  We seem to be over the hurdle now and just refining skills and timing at this point.  One of our tricks has been to offer Alex a small "special treat" when he remembers to do the right thing.  For an especially big reward we got donuts one day

This was a big hit with everyone!

Genevieve spent more of her time at home with Grandma Carla.  They get along famously, but they had one argument about the rocking chair.  Genevieve really enjoyed climbing up on her own and sitting in the old rocking chair.

It was all well and good until the chair toppled over on her. (She was fine, but quite surprised)

Genevieve also discovered Peek-a-Boo Wild, a game for the iPhone.  It is the follow-on to her other favorite game, Peek-a-boo Barn, which has saved us from some tight situations (like airplanes, dinners out, serious conversations, etc)

The only problem is that now anytime Genevieve sees Dana using her phone, she immediately assumes that Peek-a-Boo Wild is being played.  Why else would anyone use a phone?  So Genevieve trots over and demands to see the phone.  It's very cute, if a little counterproductive.

Genevieve and Grandpa had a disagreement over whether shirts were to be worn at dinner time

We also visited with one additional pediatric ophthalmologist for Genevieve.  As with the first consultation, the second MD agreed that we were doing everything right, and no surgery was called for.  Woohoo!

Just before we left Dana needed to complete some research at a law library, so we took the opportunity to visit Berkeley with Alex.  While Dana worked, Alex and I walked around campus, and I showed him some of my favorite sites.  It was a real treat!  I have not had so much fun walking around Berkeley since I was a student.

Alex and Mommy visit her favorite bakery in the whole world, the Cheeseboard!