Jammie Time

What goofy cousins. This was one of the best pics of them in their cute jammies from Auntie Kristie.

Steve's Wedding

My parents' neighbor Steve Verna got married in his gorgeous backyard the other weekend.  As my three year old niece, Mina, put it, "Today's the wedding! It's at Verna and Steve's house". 

We came down for the weekend to help celebrate their big day. The weather was perfect, the kids played on the playground, the food was delicious, there was good dancing, and all for a wonderful couple.

 

After the ceremony, the Hallelujah Chorus played while the happy couple walked back up the aisle. And their cake said, "Steve and Tina, Finally!" Yeah, this was a long time coming.  

The dance party started with the couple's first dance.

 

Here I am with my apprentice, dancing to AC/DC's Shook Me All Night Long.  Mina paid such close attention to every movement I made, even my facial expressions!  What a good student!
 

My parents joined in the dance party too.

 

They learned so quickly!

The next day when I asked Gabriela what she did the day before, she said, "I play on the playground, and I see people, I see Steve and I see Tina, I dance and eat cake. Mommy, I do it again please?"

Typical Oakland Fun

 

Uncle Lane helps build a tower as high as the ceiling 

Gabriela empties a grenade and some money out of her purse, you know, the essentials.

Visit with the Cuz

So glad I had the chance to connect with Chris and Nicole when they were on an SF Bay Beer tour.  We met up with them at Triple Rock in Berkeley for lunch, and then went to another brewery, Jupiter, after lunch. I love that even though we only see each other once in a few years, we never miss a beat. It's like we weren't ever apart. We always have a blast with these guys.  And it was great to introduce them to Gabriela. She knows Chris and Nicole are "Mommy's cousins" and took to them well.  Can't wait to see these guys again. 

 

Walking down Shattuck Ave in Berkeley.

 

Enjoying the sunny weather on the patio at Jupiter.

Mina's Mermaid Birthday Party

We went back to Gilroy over the weekend to attend Mina's Mermaid Birthday Party. Kristie did such a good job decorating and planning for the party.

All the cute pictures are on her blog, so you'll have to check them out here

There were ocean jello cups with sharks swimming in them, goldfishies for snacks, a kelp forest, super cute ocean cupcakes, and sandpail favors.  The tents and tunnels made a reappearance, and Kristie made darling mermaid tails for all the kiddos, even a mini-sized one for little baby Caetlin.

All I can say is cute, cute, cute!!  We are so happy we could join in the celebration for little Miss Mina.  Love you bunches. 

p.s.  check out my special mermaid card for the birthday girl

Quotes from Gabriela

"hmm, I'll just stay here with the elephants" as we are trying to leave the zoo.

"mommy, no say mmm-hmm"  We are going on 4 days in a row with her saying this one. When I asked her want she wants me to say instead, she replied with  "Mommy no talking"

Gabriela finished eating a peach and she wanted more. I told her she ate the whole thing... "mommy go to store, buy a peach!"

She sure is sweet, but she's also a little bossy.

Happy Birthday, Gabriela!

After a day at the zoo, we had Gabriela's special birthday dinner - pizza!  She enjoyed it so much, she had three pieces! We were glad to have a birthday celebration with Chaney, Beau and Nate and Meliss, especially since they missed the party over the weekend.

And here is her birthday dessert - Mixed berry shortcakes (strawberries, blackberries and blueberries) with homemade blackberry whipped cream! 

I still can't get over how wonderful her birthday crown turned out!  Meliss is so awesome.  She and I made it together.

 

Every little monkey needs a giant banana present to open at their party, right?

It's a girl sock monkey that Auntie Meliss made!  Monkey is so darling with that little pink bow on her head.  Gabriela named her Baby. 

What's this? Another handmade gift from Auntie Meliss?  Gabriela loves her monkey crayon case.  She can keep markers or crayons and coloring books in it! 

 

You are the best, Auntie Liss!  (Don't you just love how Gabriela is clutching her gifts!?!?)

In her Monkey PJs from Keady, checking out the goodie bag contents.  I love you, Birthday Girl!