san francisco

victorians, bridges, old branchy trees, trolley cars, bay views, adorable lovers and city buildings - these are some of the reasons i love san francisco.  these photos were all taken from the front passenger seat of the car as we made our way to stemple creek ranch.  in retrospect, this was probably the best way to get a good dose of the city with the kids riding amazingly content for the three hour journey (due to friday afternoon traffic) from menlo park.  certainly it helped to have uncle christopher and auntie annie in the backseat with them.  boy do we all love those two and the city in which they live. 

a few days later we went to visit them at their loft in the dog patch.
when we pulled up to park in front of their building, this ice cream man walked by.  sweet serendipity!

ezra was so happy to get a sonic ice cream bar!

the view from their window was sunny with blue skies that day.

the daylight was streaming in bright and cheery.

christopher found some things for indy to play with

and some pens and paper for ezra to draw with.

among other things, he drew the ice cream wagon in front of the building.

we stepped outside and i had fun with indy's and my shadow.

my friend christi and her baby alexander joined us for a walk through the neighborhood.

the light was spectacular and i couldn't stop taking pictures.

it's what i love to do.

walking around outside,

with the people i love,

in my favorite city,

when the sun is shining,

and the blossoms are blooming

brings me happiness.

it's always good to see this guy

and fun to see old friends.

we went into this local coffee house -

certainly a dog patch coffee house.

the city has its own kind of beauty.

including one of her new residents - alexander, who cat napped throughout his visit.

after getting caffeinated we went to fly a kite at the local park.

michael loves doing tricks for an audience!

ezra will do them with or without one...

 indy is watching and learning...

back at the building...

we enjoyed some rooftop views and the fresh bay air.

simple pleasures - happy times.

at the end of the day, annie came home and we all hugged and said until next time. a happy and festive reunion it will be come this july!  we are looking forward to celebrating their wedding with family and friends in the golden hills of napa valley.  until then, we will be moving to our new home in the coachella valley where michael will begin his residency in family medicine.  this little family of ours will hopefully start to settle into a comfortable, calm, creative routine where we all can thrive and grow to our greatest potential.