October 16, 2011
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It’s the middle of October already! Autumn is my favorite season, and it always seems to fly by because we’re so busy with school, soccer, and other fun seasonal outings. This year has been no exception!
First weekend of October … Saturday was a jog with coworkers followed by soccer game #4 (loss). Afterwards, we went to the Folsom Family Expo. Since we got there so early (Zach’s game was 9am), there were no crowds at all.
The kids got to jump in the bounce houses as long as they wanted. Then we went through vendor booths to pick up freebies and coupons (including free tickets to the Folsom zoo), and make kids crafts. The weather was gorgeous as we strolled through the zoo. We had a quick lunch at Smashburger before heading home.
For dinner, James and I went on a date to Back Wine Bar while the kids enjoyed pizza at Kids Camp. The kids like playing at Kids Camp – and on select weekends, they provide free meals. A great deal, especially when combined with coupons!
On Sunday, we went to Apple Hill. The websites listed the orchards opening at 8am, but most weren’t fully open until closer to 10-11am. My favorite by far was High Hill ranch. They had pony rides ($6) and a pond to feed fish/ducks (50 cents). The Fudge Factory, with playground and fudge samples, was located right next to them. Abel’s Acres was pretty good too … the kids enjoyed their surprisingly challenging hay maze ($5).
Boa Vista was a disappointment though – they were basically a big farmer’s market grocery store with lots of vendor stands. Nothing interesting for the kids. We picked up an apple pie and brought it to Alex/Nicoles’s house for dessert. Dinner was a light salad so that we could indulge in more pie. Thanks for hosting Sam!
The following weekend, James ran a charity 5k – and placed 3rd in his age group with a time of 24:45. Then we went to soccer game #5, where we beat the other team so badly, we had to hold back our offense. Zachary didn’t understand the rule, so there was a good lesson about sportsmanship and not making other people feel bad. It’s good to win, but not to crush the opponent … at least not at this age. After the soccer game, we went to the Safetyville Fireman’s Chili Cook-off charity. Despite living in this area for almost 15 years, I had never been to Safetyville. What a cute miniature town!
We tried a variety of chilis, watched a helicopter land, and the kids got to experience dousing a fire. One activity required kids to answer questions about fire safety. Calie’s answer to “What do you do when your clothes are on fire” was “Take them off.” Hm. We need to teach her about stop-drop-and-roll!
Sunday was the Intel 5k, and there was a big turnout. Calie completed the kids 1/4 mile fun run. I did pretty well (for me) by crossing the finish line in 30:45 (the 5k not the kids run … just to clarify). Since we’re in the middle of soccer season, Zachary was in good shape and came in at 24:57.
Unfortunately, he fell in the ‘under 15′ age group and was beaten by 11, 13, and 15-year-olds. Just for fun, Zach and I ran home after the race, adding another ~2 miles to our 5k. It was great exercise, and exciting to race against my coworkers.
After the run, I took Calie to Zahra and Zayan’s birthday party at the Folsom zoo. She had such a great time – they had face painting, an art project, and the kids got to meet/pet a ferret and a rabbit. Calie was elated!
After the party, the kids got to run around the zoo and see all the other animals. Reshma and her husband made all the food (including animal shaped mini cakes), and the favor was homemade Play-Doh with an animal cookie cutter. How creative! Happy Birthday Zahra (4) and Zayan (2)!
We took advantage of our new patio set and shady backyard for dinner!
Monday, I took my extended staff out to lunch … my managers and ops manager joined us, and the team was so big that we needed 3 tables. I ordered authentic Chinese dishes; what better way to role model risk taking, right? (I heard that some people went to Jamba Juice or grabbed something else to eat in the cafeteria later – ha!)
Wednesday through Friday, I attended the Society of Women Engineers conference in Chicago. Wednesday morning, I walked Zach to school, and he ran in just as the classroom door was closing. Then I worked from home for awhile before heading to the airport. I had forgotten that I was in Terminal B, a newer unfamiliar terminal which required taking a tram. I hustled to my gate and got into line just as my row was called. I flew into Chicago Midway, took a taxi to my hotel, and decided that I had a fighting chance of making the evening’s river cruise. I booked my flight before I knew about the cruise, and figured I’d miss it, but my flight got in a bit earlier than expected. The boat was going to leave earlier but waited for me. So I got to have dinner with my friends/coworkers while enjoying the Chicago skyline. It reminded me a bit of Boston. I do miss big cities.
Thursday, I went to seminars. After “work”, Kathy, Galina, and I went to South Coast Sushi for some delicious and creative rolls. In a half hearted attempt to burn a few calories, Kathy and I swam 10 laps in the hotel pool after dinner (BTW, mom was wrong … you don’t throw up if you swim after eating.)
Friday was more seminars, including a 3 hour workshop. For dinner, Kathy and I treated ourselves to one of the highest rated restaurants in Chicago … Les Nomades. It was very good (although I still prefer the lardo at The Kitchen). My favorites included the amuse bouche of mushroom soup with truffle foam, the tender diver scallops, and the perfectly seasoned beef filet in shallot sauce. Since it was a more refined and perhaps a bit old fashioned (most of their clientele were older) restaurant, photography was not allowed. I had to be discreet and turn off my flash – hence the fuzzy photos!
It was great fun rooming with Kathy – I haven’t spent as much time with her recently since I’ve been busy with kids activities, and she’s been traveling so much. Despite our lifestyle differences, we actually have a lot in common! The only downside was that we talked so much at night, we struggled to get up the next morning. The time difference didn’t help … although I have to admit our first seminars were ~10am. My flight back home was 6am Saturday morning. Driven by my fear of being late (not unfounded given my recent close calls), I got up at 3am after only 2 hours of sleep.
Back at home, James handled soccer practice, dentist appointments for both kids (no cavities – yay!), and soccer game #6 (tie.)
