Author Archives: Vale

Sleepover At Omi’s With Fiona

13 Jul 2011


Awesome kid photos by Omi – Click any to see larger

The Grandkids were “In it to win it” as American Idol would say.
They played, they crafted, they lunched, they napped. They listened to Fiona’s music. They cooked mini sized German hotdogs. They had so much fun just being together.

Omi had my kids for the day, and then that turned in to a spontaneous sleepover. (I know, lucky me!) Also, as luck would have it, there was just enough diapers in the bag to make it.

Aunt Karen was so thoughtful – she sent along some fun boxes of crafts for the kids:

I love how Lucy is rocking the scarf in these shots taken in the backyard.

Fun times in the frisco fog! XOXO Thanks Omi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Welcome Cake

11 Jul 2011


(click to see larger)

I asked Sweet Kiera to bake a cake in honor of Kristi arriving in San Francisco. A ‘welcome cake’. Kristi is in town for a whole month! Yay!

Kiera did an AMAZING JOB – My favorite cake ever. The iconic style, the simplicity, the cute fondant clouds. SO YUMMY!! That may sound a little cliche, but I don’t think there is a better adjective than yummy. We’re all pretty spoiled around here – Kiera’s cakes always taste the best. And what’s a cake that doesn’t taste as good as it looks?

Kiera put a cute little sign on the cake – so charming! I didn’t think it needed anything, but she was right…

Can you believe how big the boys have gotten since Christmas? So tall and handsome!


The funniest moment was when we realized that Sam was wolfing the cake – he doesn’t really like cake.
He even asked Kiera for the recipe! Clearly, a game changer. “Let them eat cake!” – but only if it’s from Sweet Kiera! :)

Welcome Kristi, Cole, Sam and eventually Rob – Happy Summer in San Francisco!

(ps. it was a horrible foggy cold day today. Classic San Francisco summer bummer. Kristi was lovin’ it.)

4th of July Weekend in the Country

06 Jul 2011

We enjoyed a 4 day weekend in Sebastopol and also Healdsburg, where we saw our old friends the Rueds. Their place is so beautiful and the girls are just lovely! We need to go up there more often! :)


click any photo to see larger

Just like old times…

We also got to welcome Fiona, (yay!) Oscar & Lucy’s cousin who lives in Texas. She’s out for a few weeks, and her sister Ciara will join her on the 29th when she’s done with soccer. We swam, barbequed, rode the tractor, enjoyed the garden, and generally tried to stay cool – it was in the 90s! We ate dinner outside, and it was agreed that we should do that more often! Thanks for such a great time Omi &Opi!


Backyard Camping

30 Jun 2011

Okay, check that one off the list. If he wants to do it again, he can ask his father.
(The lawn is not as soft as it looks!)
Oscar was really cute though. His eyes sparkled and his grin was ear to ear. It was certainly worth the 6 trips back and forth to the house for last minute necessities like a water bottle, and a story, stuffed animals and the right pillow. Flashlights were everywhere, and Mark and Oscar used walkie talkies to iron out details. (G’nite Dad. Over.) I tried to use them to order a morning latte delivered, but apparently it doesn’t work like that. (Whats the opposite of “roger that”?)
It was chilly outside- the wind had died away, but the temperature was around 55. Inside the tent, it was cozy, and the little night lite Mark plugged in was reassuring. (Don’t all backyard tents come equipped with industrial strength extension cords?) We were both sleepy when the stories were over. Oscar turned out the bigger light and then snuggled up to me. He said, “This is so fun mom. I’m glad you’re here.” Sweet huh. I think I fell asleep before Oscar did. Or maybe it was a tie.


iphone photos by Mark

Camping in Butano (Pescadero)

30 Jun 2011

Ahh, car camping with the family. One night only, and we didn’t even cook dinner. We went out to a wonderful old restaurant, Duartes (pronounced, “doo-erts”. Butano is pronounced “boot-a-noh”.) The trip was taken for Chief’s birthday (June 20th). He treated us all to the delicious dinner – crab, and lamb… and cocktails! Thanks!

It was a nice time with the family – we missed Alex – but we did talk weddings, and we ate marshmellows, and it was all very fun. (Right up until Lucy wouldn’t sleep. That took the fun right out of things.) But Oscar was a champ – no complaints, in fact he was LOVING every minute of it. His favorite part was sitting around the fire with everyone, at night, playing “Apples to Apples”.)

Most all of the camping photos here were taken by Cole or Kiera. Thanks guys! Nana, thanks for making the reservations and Helmut thanks for lending the extra tent – I guess we’re in the market for a new tent? We all got a kick out of our matching yellow domes.

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The next day we hit the beach – so pretty.