July 29, 2010

  • Two Fridays ago, we hosted a Wii and barbecue playdate. Since it was a work day, the menu was boxed pasta for the kids and Costco salmon burgers with salad for the grownups. Zachary had a great time playing with Alex, Dylan, and Jesse.

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    The next morning, I went on a trail jog with Erjia, Jaybal, and Sam … and while I’m pretty much the slowest and most out of shape in the group, I’m pleased to report that I am seeing results. I’ve lost over 12 lbs since I started working out, and I’m more toned (squishy belly and thighs excluded) than I was pre-kids.  Then it was pack up the kids and head up to Camp Richardson (Tahoe) for camping. Perfect timing, we got there the exact same time as Bhavana and her family. Zachary and the twins played soccer while the adults set up, and then we headed to the beach. The view was wonderful and wow, it was crowded! I was so impressed by Gaurav and Vaibhav’s swimming ability – they were able to jump off the dock like the older kids.

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    Then it was dinner back at the camp, followed by dessert at the local ice cream shop. Ended the evening around a campfire, and it was downhill from there. One of the worst night’s sleep ever. Calie was super fussy and wanted to sleep across a James’ face. Halfway through the night, James asked me to switch places with him so he could get some sleep. I had a mummy style sleeping bag and Calie wanted to be in it, so we could not zip it up. I was so cold. Fortunately, like Transylvania, the torture ended at sunrise.

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    We had breakfast at the campground and then headed back to the beach while Bhavana and her family went to Heavenly for a scenic gondola ride. After lunch at the Beacon Bar & Grill, we drove home. Once again, vacation with another family is the way to go. The kids just have so much more fun! For a better experience, I would have purchased a bigger tent (Bhavana’s tent had 2 rooms!) and left Calie at home. Okay, I’m sort of kidding about that last part, but I’m thinking 3+ years old, potty trained, would be a threshold. That’s just me though; I know plenty of people who have success with babies.

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    On Thursday, James and I (and almost everyone else from work) went to see a movie. Our employer booked the local Palladio theaters and gave everyone a free ticket, small popcorn, and drink. We picked ‘Despicable Me’ since we like Steve Carell, and it was very entertaining! Yay for work sponsored dates!  This past Friday, I met up with Dana and her family for a casual dinner at Whole Foods. We took the kids to the outdoor playstructure, where there was lively music playing. And on Saturday morning, I took Zachary to Lowes to make a flashing UFO toy.

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    After Lowes, we drove up to Patrick’s Berry Farm in Camino. It was shady in the picnic area, and the kids spend most of the time kicking a ball around. We had a potluck lunch and then headed into the dusty hot fields for manual labor, which made for a good lesson about going to school and having a career. 

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    The kids liked picking berries this year. Unfortunately that meant, I ended up paying for some leaves and twigs, but I figured that was about right, given the berries Calie ate before we reached the checkout stand. Thanks to Sam and Melissa for setting up this fun annual tradition! In the evening, I took Zachary to SkyHigh and met up with Andrew. Since I didn't go on my regular weekend jog, I jumped for an hour ... not quite the same, but it was at least something!

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    Sunday morning, we took the kids to their first Steve Wallen class. It went um ... swimmingly! What a big difference between the private classes and the Aquatic Center group lessons. It was indoors, moved at my child’s pace, and the instructor had both kids laughing many times. Thanks to my friends who recommended them! Afterwards, we picked up some produce at the farmer’s market and then headed home for Calie’s nap before heading out again for a ribeye barbecue and swim playdate at Karen’s. In all, a fun weekend with friends!

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