July 4th Firsts

This 4^th of July, we decided TJ was ready to get the real holiday experience.  This is Mommy’s favorite holiday, and so it was exciting to finally be able to celebrate it with Mr. Man.

We started the day with an “old town” Main Street parade in Half Moon Bay.  It was a 30 minute drive, but well worth it.  The parade had a small-town feel, which Mommy really liked, and it was the perfect size for TJ’s first parade. 

He loved the fire trucks and the 200+ dogs in the pooches parade.  He waved his flag and waved his hand to all the marchers and floats.  Of course, his favorite part was getting a couple handfuls of candy that were thrown at him.

After the parade we headed back home for lunch and a nap… then it was time to venture into the city for the fireworks show along the bay.  Since it was TJ’s first, we decided to brave the crowds and make sure it was a spectacular show.  And it was.  Luckily, Mommy has a parking spot at work, and it’s just a few blocks from Pier 39.  It was nice to park there so we didn’t have to battle for parking.  We found a nice spot on the grass near the Aquarium by the Bay, and waited and waited for the fireworks to start.

TJ was wired!  We’re not sure if it was the excitement of being out late, all the people, the cotton candy or a combination of it all, but he was non-stop.  He ran and ran and ran.  He giggled and giggled and giggled.  He was such a joy to watch, even though it was exhausting trying to keep up with him.

And when the fireworks started… he was in awe.  He smiled with his whole face.  He yelled out the colors of the fireworks.  “That’s a blue one!  That’s a red one!  That’s a BIG one!”  He said, “oooohhh… ahhhh” with Mommy.  He loved every minute of it.

It was a perfect way to spend the holiday as a family.

What a Wonderful Week

Actually, it's been a wonderful few weeks here in San Francisco.  Two weeks ago, Daddy came home.. for good.  Life has been good.  Everything is better with Daddy here.  It took TJ a few days to get used to the idea that both Mommy & Daddy are here to stay, but since then, he's been much more relaxed.  (We all have been.)

Daddy starts his new job on Monday.  He's contracted to do some freelance work with the Pac-12 Network that is launching in July.  It appears everything is falling into place out here, but we're still keeping our fingers crossed. 

Last week, Ga & Aunt G flew in for a visit.  TJ couldn't have been happier to have them here.  Of course, they came with gifts.  Pa sent TJ a 24-piece truck puzzle.  TJ must've done that puzzle a dozen times in one day, and by the third time, he could put the thing together by himself.  It was quite remarkable.

Mommy took a few days off, and we all had a great time exploring the Bay Area.  Saturday, TJ showed them where he goes to gymnastics before we drove to the beach near our house.  It was a gorgeous day, and TJ loved burying Aunt G and Ga's feet in the sand.  He LOVED playing in the water and out-running he waves. 

Sunday, we celebrated Father's Day at Fisherman's Wharf.  It's TJ's favorite place, and he has a routine down when we go to Pier 39, and this day was no dfferent.  We stopped and watched the sea lions before going to have lunch at Bubba Gump's before riding the carousel, and saying goodbye to the sea lions on our way back to the car.  It was a windy day, but it was a great time!

Monday, we hopped on a sightseeing bus and explored the city.  It was windy and cold, but TJ had a blast.  He giggled and smiled the whole way.  He especially loved going through the tunnels.  On the last leg of the tour, he finally pooped out.  After the tour of the city, Ga & Aunt G got a tour of Mommy's work.  It was nice they were able to see where I work and meet some of my new co-workers.

Tuesday, we drove over the Golden Gate Bridge and headed to Muir Woods.  TJ was so fascinated by the Redwoods.  He looked up to the treetops and said, "I don't believe it!"  We all loved exploring the forest, and TJ walked and ran the entire 2 mile trek.  The fresh air really wore him out, and he took a four-hour nap that afternoon!

Mommy went back to work Wednesday, and Ga & Aunt got to get a trip to the Mickey Mouse store in before heading to the airport.  We are so fortunate they were able to spend so much quality time with us and see our new home.  We miss them a ton already, and we can't wait for our next trip with them.  TJ is already saying, "It's my turn to fly to see Ga & Pa." Yup. :)

Good Family, Good Friends

We’ve had a wonderful past few weeks spending time with family and friends both in Colorado and the Bay Area. TJ & Mommy were able to take some time off and fly to Denver for the Memorial Day weekend holiday. It was the first time in six weeks we saw Daddy, and it was a happy reunion!

TJ was reunited with Ga, Pa, Aunt G and his best buddy Jack and his Mommy Susie.
It was so funny to see Jack and TJ pick up right where they left off… they had such a fun time together.

TJ was greeted with a new beach ball/water sprinkler and a tent at Ga & Pa’s. He loved the new toys, but spent most of his time in his favorite part of Pa’s house – the sandbox! He spent hours on end playing in the sand!

During our visit with the grandparents, the whole family ventured to Salida to plant flowers for Memorial Day. We had lunch at one of the parks Mommy used to play at, and TJ was able to charm his way on the teeter-totter with Ga & Pa! It was hilarious to watch them on that thing – and even funnier watching them try to get off it!

We were lucky enough our visit coincided with the graduation of one of TJ’s second cousins. It was so fun to have the entire Reno group together. TJ loved playing with his cousin Stevie (he called him Steamy) and his crazy Uncle Carl!

Before driving back to Denver, we celebrated Aunt G's birthday with dinner and ice cream cupcakes... so of course, TJ loved that!

When we headed back to Denver, we were able to get TJ’s whole gang together at the park. He was so excited to see Jack, Asher, Camden and Pay… and he cried when it was time to leave. We are so fortunate to have found such a wonderful group of friends for not only TJ, but Mommy, too! And we are happy to still get to see everyone when we visit!

It was more difficult saying goodbye to everyone this time around… especially Daddy. We’re happy that was the last time we’ll have to do that because Daddy is driving to SF for good!!! Yesterday, we closed on our home in Parker, and Daddy hit the road. We can’t believe this long chapter is finally over! How we managed to get through the last five months, I don’t know! We’re just all glad we made it out alive!

Last weekend, Uncle Marshall made a trip to SF and spent time with Mommy & TJ. It was so nice to have company! We had a great time taking him around the city, down the coast and up to Sausalito. TJ introduced Uncle Marshall to Korean cartoons, and watched Cars2 with him. When I picked TJ up from school on Monday and Marshall had left TJ said, “Where’s Uncle Marshall? He’s not in our car. I want him back.” Guess he’ll just have to come back and visit!

This weekend, we plan on getting some much-needed family time in together, then Ga & Aunt G make their way to SF later next week!