Our End-of-Summer Party!

David and I have amazing friends - as does Zoey! A couple weekends ago we had some people over for an end-of-Summer celebration, and we had a great time laughing and connecting with everyone. At one point there were 5 kiddos under the age of 4 in our small condo.....whoa! : ) Is it just me or did this Summer just FLY by?! I guess time just tends to go faster and faster as we get older, eh? Well at least fun-filled experiences like this with friends and loved ones remind us to slow down and enjoy the moment!

USS Hornet

Thanks to Groupon, we were able to get 1/2 price tickets to tour the USS Hornet - and we finally took advantage of this deal last Sunday. We met up with our friends Jason & Jonah, and had a blast running around the ship (well the kids were running anyhow!), checking out the cool artifacts, soaking up all the history held within that ship, admiring the restored airplanes and helicopters, and taking in gorgeous views of the Bay and the City from the flight deck. I highly recommend checking out the USS Hornet, especially if you're a history buff!
Welcome to the USS Hornet Museum

The Aircraft Carrier USS HORNET Museum is a national treasure, having participated in two of the greatest events of the 20th century -- World War II and the Apollo 11 manned space mission.

Now peacefully moored at historic Alameda Point on San Francisco Bay, the USS HORNET is a timeless memorial to those who defended our American values and to those who have pursued America's technological advancements.

Fall Semester 2011!

I've been neglecting my blog lately, but I have a good excuse. Life is crazy busy! The weekly challenges of being a FT working mother of a crazy toddler are hard enough to manage during slow, "normal" periods at work, but this past week was INSANE! School started on Thursday @ Cal for the Fall semester which means more students, more work, and more stress. And the campus held Welcome Week last Monday - Wednesday which featured many events and workshops for new students, including one that I led for 105 students about Law School prep. I love the optimistic energy and excitement of a new semester, but geez.....I'm tired!

My new favorite jogging spot - Alameda's Marina Village Harbor

Gorgeous scenery, peaceful ambiance, and so many beautiful yachts to admire as I jog by! Seeing so many lovely boats also prompted me to research the history behind why boats are always referred to as "she" and often named after females....and here's why!

Jury Duty & Lake Merritt

Aerial Shot of Oakland and Lake Merritt

I love Lake Merritt (as I've mentioned before) - not only is it an amazing place for a relaxing jog or walk, but it's such a beautiful sanctuary within the middle of urban chaos. Not to mention the wonderful bird watching AND people watching that can take place around the Lake everyday of the week. After FINALLY getting out of jury duty in downtown Oakland last Wednesday (long story - it was a double murder trial but I'm off the hook!), I definitely needed a way to release some built up tension....and a 3.4 mile jog around the Lake was the perfect outlet. : )

The Rene C. Davidson Courthouse of Alameda County

Happy Friday!

I love this print! It makes me feel relaxed and peaceful, as if in a state of whimsical zen. :)
I thought it was perfect to share on a foggy Friday afternoon in Berkeley. (Courtesy of Etsy.com)

Tahoe Vacation Highlights!

Busy week....but Tahoe bound tomorrow!

This has been a busy, BUSY week for us personally & professionally. I've hit "crunch time" as we gear up for the new school year at Cal, and David is busy in the midst of his academic quarter. Plus family stuff, errands, chores, and other evening commitments, we've been busy! But luckily tomorrow we're off to Lake Tahoe for a 4-day getaway....our first real vacation as a family of 3! We'll be staying at Tahoe Seasons Resort in South Shore, thanks to David's very kind parents Norma & Gary who are sharing their time-share with us! I can't wait to sit on the beach and soak up sunshine while reading magazines and watching Zoey play in the sand... : )

Happy Birthday Uncle Michael!

Last night we went over to Michael's house for his birthday celebration dinner & party - fun fun! We had pizza, drinks, lots of laughs, and great company. And Zoey just loved being the center of attention - 2nd to the birthday boy that is!

My Little Fashonista

Zoey LOVES playing in her closet, and trying on shoes and clothes - I wonder where she gets that from?! : ) Yes, wearing her boots and wool cap in August and snuggling with daddy.

Fun @ The Park Street Art & Wine Fair

Sunday we met up with Scott & Megan @ The Park Street Art & Wine Fair - fun! We window shopped at the interesting booths, people watched, and enjoyed the summer sun. :)