It’s been a little over a week since k’s last day of preschool.  I still cannot believe that she will be going to Kindergarten in the fall.  k’s preschool had a “June Celebration” performance as a good-bye.  k’s class sang “Dancin’ In the Street”.

k and her teacher.

Next year, n will be up on that stage!

Last weekend we celebrated Father’s Day with my dad at my parents’ house. 

k and n love their “Baba” and I am so thankful he is able to be part of their lives. 

Today we celebrated D’s role as a father.

Before we had kids I wasn’t sure how D would be as a father (no one can really be sure, can they?)  However, I am so grateful that D is a wonderful one, and k and n are very fortunate. 

For Father’s day weekend, one of my gifts from L was allowing me to run by myself wherever I wanted to go. So I decided to go to Crystal Cove a couple of weeks ago. I thought of running along the ocean, but decided against it yesterday after realizing the trail isn’t very long. My co-worker reminded me of El Moro Canyon. I took Jamboree to PCH and then took a left where there is a school and parking for the State Park. The parking lot and facilities are nice and new. Using my State Park pass, which expires this month, the parking was free! I was glad I found the parking and now I just needed to find the trails. After running a little while I ran into a couple of signs and finally figured out where I was going. I ended up taking the El Moro Ridge trail. The trail is really steep at the beginning, but the view of the ocean was amazing. After a steep climb, the trail eases off and it is fairly flat. It was great trail running on dirt and asphalt. I saw a few rabbits that liked to run right in front of you. There weren’t too many people and the weather was perfect; overcast and cool. On the way back, I saw the Laguna Beach mansions on the hills. The downhill was tough on the quads, but the view was well worth it. I think this running trail was the best I have ever been on. It was long and peaceful with beautiful ocean and canyon views. Probably second on my list is Huntington Beach to Newport Beach. It is long and you are right by the ocean; however you are close to a parking lot and it gets crowded. Third is probably 17 mile drive in Pebble Beach. It probably has the best views, but the trail is short before hitting either a golf course or roads. I hope to run this trail again. Maybe an annual Father’s Day tradition. Happy Father’s day to all the fathers out there!

We are winding down on our state park pass, so we wanted to squeeze in a few more trips to the beach.  When we were in the Doheny parking lot, I noticed that the vast majority of cars/trucks had roof racks.  That wasn’t too strange, considering we were at the beach.  But then, as we walked towards the sand, we saw that there was a paddleboarding competition going on.  Now it all made sense!

The race took about an hour.  I was getting tired just waiting for them to return. 

Doesn’t this tattoo look so painful?  As the recipient of two epidurals, I cannot even begin to imagine!

Today was k’s last day of preschool.

Less than two years ago she was headed off to her first day of preschool!

A few days ago I was reading this book to k and n, which I checked out from our church’s library. 

It talks about how we, as parents tend to focus on the “firsts”: first smile, teeth, steps, etc. However, when our kids grow up, we’ll be left thinking about their “lasts”: last time we carried them, last time they crawled into bed with us, etc. When I finished the book, I kind of sighed and remarked, “Isn’t that so sad?” I started to read another book and then I noticed k’s eyes were filled with tears. When I asked her what was wrong the tears spilled out and she couldn’t answer. I guessed that the book made her sad, and she just nodded. I tried to comfort her, telling her that we still have a lot of years left together and she slowly calmed down. What a sensitive little girl k is!

The last line states, “Let me hold on longer, God, to every precious last.”  What a good reminder on those frustrating days that seem like they will never end!

It’s been a while since we celebrated a national food holiday.  Last Friday I took the kids to Krispy Kreme for our free donut in celebration of national donut day. 

We waited in anticipation for the donuts to enter the frosting shower.

I took a risk and ordered the flavor of the month, key lime pie.  Next time I will stick with my tried and true favorite: chocolate frosting with custard filling.

The kids both picked chocolate frosting with sprinkles.

This is how n eats donuts—haha.

Here’s some photos that go with yesterday’s post.  As I mentioned, we had brunch with friends expecting twins in September.  We were able to see their new house, and were spoiled with a delicious egg casserole, muffins and fruit.  n enjoyed his toaster waffles, too.

I think he will make a great dad.  He already has chalk and bubble skills.  k and n now refer to him as “The Bubble Machine”.

Back to Napa, on Sunday we visited the church that D’s parents’ neighbors attend.  We felt very welcome and the kids were able to go to Sunday School.  We also celebrated D’s dad’s 70th birthday.  We chipped in for a gift certificate to Morimoto’s new restaurant in Napa.

D

Sons

Grandkids

For belated Mother’s Day we went to The Fish Story. 

I liked how they brought out carrots and celery for the kids and mini banana muffins in addition to the bread basket.

We shared fish and chips and a shrimp sandwich, which were both very good.

Isn’t this sign on the bathroom so cute?

Grandma and k outside of the restaurant

Back at home we had birthday cake.

In the afternoon D and I were able to do a little outlet shopping.  Then it was time for…you guessed it…more eating!

We went to Il Posto, a new Italian restaurant.

Chicken Parmesan

Kid’s pasta with Papa sauce

Bianco Pizza

Yes, there was a lot of good eating that weekend.  But there was also a lot of good visiting with family and friends. 

After Happy Hollow we went to Cupertino to visit D’s cousin’s wife’s coffee + dessert bar, Bitter + Sweet.  We had been wanting to visit ever since it opened last year.  The last time we saw D’s cousin and his wife, I remember her talking about opening a café one day.  She was in the banking industry at the time (and had been there for a long time), so I thought it was just a far off dream.  Little did I know that she was quite serious, and she worked hard to make her dream come true.   

Just like its owner, it is very stylish.

We tried the latte, which was excellent (and pretty).  D gave the latte his highest praise, as it garnered a coveted position on “The List”.

We also tried the ice cream, which is from Humphrey Slocombe in San Francisco.  I love their innovative flavor combinations.  We shared Secret Breakfast (w/ bourbon and cornflakes) and After School Special (w/ chocolate covered potato chips).  Yes, the kids did gobble up more than their fair share of both, (bourbon and all!), so much so that we ordered another scoop of Bittersweet Chocolate later.   

The place was packed on that Friday afternoon so we relocated to the tables and chairs right in front of the store.  It was the perfect place to meet up with one of my old college roommates who now lives in Cupertino, and her younger daughter.  It was fun to catch up and it’s funny to think that we’re both moms now—our college days seem so long ago.  Later on, my second cousin and her family came to meet us for dinner.  Coincidentally, it turns out that she actually works just down the street, and many of her co-workers are regulars at Bitter + Sweet!  Small world!     

I was surprised to learn that Happy Hollow is on the reciprocal Association of Science and Technology museum list.  I guess the educational part comes from the small zoo that is on the premises.

This guy did not look too happy—he was constantly pacing back and forth.

On our way out of the park we came across a sign featuring, quite possibly, the ugliest stuffed animal I have ever seen.

Needless to say, we did not come home with one.

Off to our next stop: Cupertino!