Birthday Weekend

Jeff's mom and sister came to visit us last weekend from Chico. I'd like to think they came for my birthday, but I know they wanted to see Sienna, especially Jamie, who leaves soon to start her freshman year at BYU. Sienna loved all of the attention from her grandma and aunt and had a difficult time saying goodbye. On Saturday, while I recovered from my Friday night shift, Jeff and Jamie participated in the Tri for Fun at Shadow Cliffs in Pleasanton. They finished together and I was surprised they didn't drown or have to be rescued during the swim.

Then, we went to a birthday party for Sienna's friend, Oliver, who turned one year. It was in Tiburon at his grandparents' gorgeous home right on the beach (I pretended the party was for my birthday too--this would be my place of choice!). Sienna could not resist playing in the sand, getting in the water, playing with all of Oliver's new toys, and trying on everyone's shoes. It was fun to hang out and enjoy the beautiful weather.

That night, Jennifer and Jamie babysat Sienna so Jeff and I could go out to dinner together. We were really tired by this time of day, but we made ourselves go and I'm glad we did because it was fun to spend time with just each other. We went to one of my favorite chains: P.F. Chang's! (I know, there are so many unique, non-chain restaurants in the city that I could have chosen, but I really have been craving their lettuce wraps and mu shu.)

On my actual birthday, we went to our friends' house for a delicious dinner and cake. Their daughter's birthday is the day after mine so we had a combined party. We're really not that far apart in age. It was such a fun birthday, spending time with family and friends!

Discovery Museum

A few weeks ago, I took my sister, Laura, and her little girl, Abby, to the Discovery Museum in Sausalito. Sienna's favorite spot is the little running river, no matter how cold it is outside. We had to leave after she tried to climb into the river to swim with the fish, but then we headed to her other favorite spot: the dump trucks! She loves letting go of the truck at the top of the GG bridge ramp; it wouldn't be so bad, except there are usually kids at the bottom who almost get taken out by the oncoming high-speed truck. Laura and Abby moved back to Southern California last week and we miss them already.

3rd Annual Morgan Stanley Ice Cream Social

The SF branch sponsors an ice cream social for the families of Morgan Stanley employees. They had a clown/magician, face painting, and a truckload of SF's Mitchell's Ice Cream, including my favorite: Ube (purple yam). Sienna enjoyed the social more than this picture shows; I don't think she liked being so close to the clown.

Marin Century

A few months ago a memo went out to all of the Morgan Stanley employees in the Bay Area regarding the Marin Century, a well known bike ride just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. MS was the lead sponsor and they were getting a group together to ride in it. I thought it sounded like fun so I signed up. I ride to work everyday and I have gone on a few distance rides (20 miles or so), so I didn't think 100 miles was completely out of the question. As it grew closer to race day, I got a little nervous as I began to realize that it was 5 x's further than I have ever ridden before. Well yesterday was game day. I realized I bit off more than I can chew when I arrived and everyone appeared to be professional cyclists with $3000 bikes. A few looked at my bike and said I'm at a huge disadvantage because of my commuter bike. That was encouraging. I kept up with the MS pro team for the first 30 miles and then they left me in the dust as we climbed a monstrous hill. The ride started in San Rafael and looped through the headlands towards the coast. I started at 8am and finished at 4:50pm. The ride was brutal, a lot of hills and strong headwinds the first 50 miles. Probably a great ride for someone who trains a little better. All in all it was a well organized ride and a lot of fun. Hope to see you all out there next year.

Chihuly Exhibit and Linda Mar

Sienna and I finally made it to the Chihuly exhibit at the De Young Museum. We tried to go two other times, but it was sold out both times. We went with some friends who took these pictures. The artist creates beautiful pieces from blown glass. The colors are vibrant and really contrast with the black background and low lighting. And the shapes of some of the pieces are incredible as they twist and curl. The only problem was no strollers were allowed! I think I would have felt safer had Sienna been strapped down in her stroller. Instead, I tried to hold her, but she just wanted to walk on her own (I feel we're entering a new stage with her...). Those glass pieces are so tempting to touch! Look familiar? Chihuly created the Persian ceiling in Las Vegas' Bellagio. This is similar, but on a much smaller scale.On Saturday we headed to Linda Mar with some friends to enjoy the beach and sun. It was a beautiful day! Sienna had a wonderful time digging and playing in the sand. Can you tell how much she loves it?

Newport

Last week we were in Newport with my entire family (minus two brother-in-laws). We had such a fun time hanging out with everyone on the beach, at the pool, and at Disneyland. Sienna is already quite the beach bum and loved digging in the sand and chasing waves. She also loved playing with her cousins and Uncle David. the "triplets"
It was so hot at Disneyland and Sienna is not used to the heat. I think she may have even suffered from heat exhaustion, but she cooled off here. I think we could have spent the entire day at this spot.

Thanks, Mom and Dad, for accommodating all of us, and comfortably too :) It was so fun to see everyone and be together!

It's a...BABY!