Boys of Summer

TJ's cousin JoJo and Uncle Joey were able to make it up to SF for a quick trip in early July.  They were here for a friend's 1st birthday party, and stayed with us.  TJ loved having another boy to play with around the house, even though all the Josephs were a little confusing.  TJ knows his name stands for Thomas Joseph.  Add Joseph and Uncle Joey to the mix, and there was bound to be a mix-up!  It was funny because TJ kept calling his cousin Thomas Joseph.  Once we switched to JoJo, we were all good!

The boys played pretty well together given the fact that everything and everyone was pretty new to one another.  TJ shared his toys great.  There were  few off limits... like his Golden Gate Bridge which he told JoJo, "This is the Golden Gate Bridge.  It's dangerous.  You can't have it."  That boy.  JoJo loved playing with TJ's race cars and track, so I guess we know what we're getting him for Christmas! :)

It was a quick trip, but we managed to get a trip to Pier 39 in.  After sharing a Bucket of DoDo's (as TJ like to call them), the boys checked out the small group of Sea Lions (apparently, they travel south to Mexico in July) and then took a few spins on the carousel.

On our way to taking them to the airport, we took a drive down Lombard Street.  Frankie was a pro navigating the crooked street.

We were sad to see Uncle Joey & cousin JoJo leave, but we can't wait to see them and the rest of their family soon!

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. :)