San Francisco

I know this is really Arlo's blog, but Charlie and I spent an amazing few days in San Francisco last week and I wanted to put some memories on "paper" here.  Leaving Arlo at home was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, but we were comforted knowing he was in good hands (the grandparents'!).  We missed him dearly while we were gone, but at least it made the coming home part of the trip something to look forward to! 

Charlie went to San Fran last Tuesday morning for the Craft Brewer's Conference.  I went out late on Saturday (the last day of the conference) and we spent four more days there together.  It was a whirlwind - but relaxing at the same time!  We saw lots of fun touristy things...

The Cable Cars

 

Pier 39 Sea Lions

 

The Big Daddy Sea Lion



Lombard Street - from the top

 

Lombard Street - from the bottom after we drove down it!

We also had AMAZING food.  Lots of it.  Some highlights: Dungeness crab stuffed artichokes and mango crusted halibut at Woodhouse Fish Co.  A slice of "The Haight" at Mythic Pizza.  Fru-fru cocktails, penang curry and kobe beef at Betelnut.  It all was incredibly delicious. 

Monday morning we drove to Napa.  We stopped at Oakville Grocery to pick up sandwiches and the most incredible peanut butter chocolate cookie.  We took our picnic lunch to Rutherford Hill winery, grabbed a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and sat at a picnic table amongst the olive trees. 

 

After our picnic lunch, we drove down the road to Domaine Chandon.  We took a tour of the winery and enjoyed sparking and still wines. 

We stayed in an adorable B&B (The Bordeaux House) in Yountville.  We were walking distance to several other tasting rooms and tons of restaurants.  We had delicious mussels and drinks on the patio at Hurley's.  After heading back to our room to get ready, we went to an adorable little French bistro called Bistro Jeanty for dinner. (Sidenote: don't you hate websites with music?  I mean, unless it's a MUSIC website.) Dinner was absolutely spectacular: roast pork shoulder with butternut squash and brussels sprouts and rabbit loin with pappardelle and morel cream sauce.  Yum. 

Tuesday morning, we hit up a couple more wineries, stopped for a Reuben and Oyster Po' Boy at Fremont Diner and then got back on the road to the city.  We completed our totally tourist experience at Alcatraz.  It was a gorgeous day and we enjoyed the boat ride and the walk around the island.  The grounds were beautiful - such a spectacular contrast.  We did the full audio tour and everything and really enjoyed it!

We ended our tour de cuisine of San Francisco at Zuni Cafe.  They are famous for a roast chicken dish that takes an HOUR to cook!  We weren't in any hurry so we decided to see what all the fuss was about.  It was delicious and definitely worth the wait.  (Nonetheless, it feels strange to order chicken in a fancy restaurant.)

The trip was everything it should be: relaxing, fun, decadent, romantic, and memorable.  And the grandmas did an amazing job in our stead.  But next time, this little guy is coming with us.  



(I had to sneak in a picture since, as I mentioned, this blog is all about Arlo.)



Love, Katie

P.S. The only tourist activity that was on my list but we didn't get to do was to take a picture in front of the Full House house for my sister, Allie.  She is the show's biggest fan. Still.  



Sam 'n' Arlo

Arlo's pal, Sam, came over this afternoon for a visit!  Sam is almost exactly four months older than Arlo, so every time we get together, it's like a little sneak peek into the future at what I can expect in four months.  Well, Sam's crawling!  Today he was pretty willing to sit on the blanket and hang out with us, but he's definitely starting to crawl towards computer cords and phones and cameras and anything that looks fun, dangerous, and potentially expensive (why are electronics so enticing to little ones?).

Arlo was totally into Sam.  I think he was impressed that Sam can sit up all by himself.

Sam decided he would go in for a smooch. 

Best pals!  It's going to be so fun when they are both a little older and they can REALLY play together.  They are going to keep me and Amy very, very busy.

Love, Katie

Visit with the Vandegrifts

Yesterday was a busy day!  (I have to cram a lot in on my days off to make my days at work bearable.)  After our visit with Caroline and Gigi, we headed over to see Sara and the kids (via the Starbucks drive-thru for an iced coffee and to give the sleeping baby a little longer snooze).  Vaughn was at school, but Milla and Fletcher were excited to see us!

Arlo enjoyed sitting with Sara and checking out the kids.  He LOVES to watch other kids and dogs.  If he's ever upset at home, we call Roscoe or Zoe over and it almost always gets him to smile. 

I think Fletcher is looking forward to Arlo growing up a bit so he can have another little boy playmate! 

Arlo had drooled all over himself - and it was just a hot day! - so Sara got some naked baby snuggles. 

We're on our own for the next few days...Charlie is in San Francisco for the Craft Brewer's Conference.  I am meeting him out there on Saturday for a long-overdue "babymoon."  The Grandmas are in charge from Saturday to Wednesday!  How will I possibly be able to bear being away from this face for four days?

Let's hope he doesn't start walking and talking while I'm gone.  :(

Love, Katie

Baby's First Vegetable?

We had some friends over for brunch this weekend and since no brunch is complete without Bloody Marys, they were indeed on the menu.  Arlo was sitting with Charlie at the island and reaching for the cup full of celery that we'd prepared for the drinks.  We gave him one to chew on (while we supervised of course). 

He loved it!

In fact, he pitched a fit when he dropped it on the floor!  This is a new development...he used to not mind if something was dropped or taken away from him.  But now, he will whine and cry until you pick it up for him!  Oh boy, do I see a glimpse of toddlerhood on the horizon. 

Kai, Lauren, and Luci (and Jack) were our dates for brunch.  Luci took a liking to Zoe. Zoe actually LOVED the attention (the poor thing ranks much lower in this household than she used to). Luci took her for a walk (around the inside of our house) and was very sweet and gentle with her.  She also gave her lots of love and pets.  She might have dropped some crumbs, too, which is truly the way to Zoe's heart. 

Love, Katie

Rock me, baby

This morning we had playtime in Arlo's room.  He's so happy when he wakes up in the morning, which makes playtime extra fun. 

He used to get so serious when I'd pull out the camera like he was trying to figure out what the heck that big black thingamajig was. 

But now he gives me great big full body smiles. 

The sun rises on this side of the house, so someday when I know how to use my fancy camera, I'm sure I will learn how to use this gorgeous light to my advantage.

For Christmas, Arlo received a very special gift. This kid-sized rocking chair belonged to Grandpa Chuck when he was a baby.  It was passed down to Charlie and is now being used by Arlo. 

Hope it's lead-free paint. ;)

I didn't use the light to my advantage in this one, but I love it anyway.  He is so attentive and curious and I think this captures that spirit perfectly. 

My boy.

Love, Katie

 (P.S. Thanks to Lisa B. for our new favorite outfit!)

Playdate with Pals at the Park

Caroline and I got the kiddos together again today.  It was a gorgeous, sunny, warm day so we figured some outdoor time was in order.  We met at the Chapel Hill Community Center where I've been going for swim team since ... like 1989 or something?  But they have a great (new?) playground that was packed with kids and parents. We sat on a blanket for a while catching up and people-watching, and then decided to check out the swings! 

Gigi was very brave to try them out first.  It's hard to see, but trust me, under that ridiculously cute hat, she was digging it!

I had set my camera down and hadn't planned to put Arlo in the swing, but then I decided to give it a try.  Here is Caroline supervising both kids while I ran to grab my camera off the picnic table.  I asked her to make sure he didn't fall out.  :)  Like he was going anywhere.

Doesn't he look like he just got done fishing and is now just hanging out getting some sun. 

Gigi loved being pushed in her swing!

Chillaxin'.

Funny to think it won't be long before we're chasing these two all over the playground. 
Time, please slow down.

Love, Katie 

Happy Feet (and Yummy!)

This baby has discovered his feet. 

He'd been eyeing them for some time, but now it is full-fledged fascination. 

 

He likes them best when they aren't hampered by socks or footies. 

The big toe is the best for chewing.

Apparently, they taste delicious. 

:) Love, Katie

GranDeda's visit

Since Deda was in town for the Kidney Kare 5K (see previous post!), she stayed with us on Friday night.  Fortunately she got here in time for a little playtime, a little dinner, and a little bathtime before bed.  Here she is helping us give him a bottle and some cereal. 

 

What a mess!

-Katie