Ba's Mom's House (& Crick's Birthday)

On Thursday Scott and I (well, I) volunteered our services as babysitters and headed to the Strand house so Crick and Kyle could enjoy a night out for her birthday.  While this sounds like quite the task with a 19 month and 5 month old at home, they both slept the entire time mom and dad were gone so we did what most babysitters do...watch TV!  We had a great time before and after dinner celebrating with Crick, Kyle, Tommy and Cortney over some champagne, cake and presents.  

"This calls for a toast"

Friday the family fun continued with a trip to Twain Harte to see Scott's mom.  We brought the two families together by brining along the Strand family for a weekend of relaxing in the mountains.  To clarify the title of this post, Scott is "ba".  We aren't sure why but the three people she has names for are "mom" "dad" and "ba".  One thing that is certain, she LOVES Scott.  I try to keep my jealousy to a manageable level!  

Kayla playing (she was reading aloud) with all the new toys Grandma Ba gave her.

My favorite picture of the weekend.

Saturday we headed to the lake to enjoy swimming, floating and of course, the snack shack! The Hylands were up in Twain Harte as well with friends so we were able to spend the day together on the beach. 

Miss Kayla showing off her ruffles!

The lake is a pretty great way to spend the day.  As I have mentioned before, it is more like a huge pond than a lake making it a more intimate setting and very family/kid friendly.  Of course, what better way to end the day than with some time on the deck?  Have to soak up all the summer outdoor time that we can!

Scott enjoying the evening.

Oh, yes, the princess got to come along too!

Ba and Kayla relaxing in their chairs!

Family group hug (don't worry, Tanner was nearby!)

As always...another great weekend.

A quick note about the coming weeks...Scott and I are off to Hawaii for some fun in the sun so I doubt there will be much blogging.  He does have his fantasy football draft while we are away so I might try to squeeze in a quick hello from the islands.  If not, don't be surprised if I disappear for the next couple of weeks...I will be back!   

Aloha!

Busy Busy Busy

My weekend started with a trip to the AVP Crocs Tour (have to reference it correctly!) while it was in town in San Francisco.  While I intended to run along the Embarcadero after my visit, beer and champagne ensued and thus the run was cancelled.  Ah, just like old times.  But really, it was great catching up with Melanie and Kevin and I wish this was more than a once a year gig.  I have been inspired, however, to run the Napa to Sonoma half marathon next year!!  Number one selling point...it's FLAT!  Melanie, book your ticket!

Me, Kevin and Melanie

Also this weekend, the Geers were up from Long Beach for Chris to make the daring swim from Alcatraz to San Francisco.  I have done A LOT of swimming in my life and most of it competitive and there was not even a small part of me that wanted to jump off that ferry and into the bay!  Again, back to that in a minute...

Friday night we carbo-loaded for the swim at Capannina (Yes, it takes a heaping bowl of pasta to have the energy to stand on the beach and cheer!).  The food was good, but not the best gnocchi I have ever had and probably not at the top of my "must visit" San Francisco restaurant list.  They did have some bathroom entertainment...

a chalkboard!  Isn't Scott nice?

Laura and Chris

Saturday was the big race!  We headed down just in time to see all the little specks jumping off the ferry into the water.  Luckily, it was a gorgeous day in the city...calm, sunny, and warm!  Still, the idea of jumping into the bay just isn't appealing.  While Chris maintains the water was warm, I am going to believe the other 90% of participants that suited up in wetsuits for the swim.  Chris gets extra points for jumping in in his speedo for the 42 (?) minute swim.  

Scott bundled up in my swimming parka from middle school.  I wonder if people wondered why "Stephanie Koon" was

embroidered on the front!  By the way, this was supposed to be for Chris after the swim-he opted out.

Well, he made it.  Cold water, currents, and sharks couldn't stop him from escaping from Alcatraz!

So, what do four people do at 10:30 in the morning when the activity is done for the day?  EAT AND DRINK!  Off we went to the ferry building in search of sustenance.  

Me and Laura enjoying the GORGEOUS day in SF.  By the way, since they left it has been foggy, windy, and cold again.

Chris and Scott.  Scott reluctantly gave up the parka after realizing it was 70 out!

The afternoon was spent in a relative food coma and therefore a wonderful nap.  I feel bad for all of you out there that don't relish in a nice afternoon nap regularly.  It really is the best.

Saturday night we headed out to Conduit for dinner.  At first glance it seems a little pretentious but it turned out to be more than wonderful.  Great food, service, ambiance, and company.  The bathrooms are a little funny considering the only thing separating the men's room from the women's is some frosted glass.  Oh, San Francisco, you are so "with it". After a quick visit to Casanova for a night cap we all crashed.

Sunday the Geers departed and Scott and I wasted no time settling in on the couch for some R&R.  However, we felt a little bad for the small black dog in our life and rallied for a trip to the beach.

The princess all sandy after a rousing game of "chase the tennis ball on the beach"

The one and only "self portrait" Scott and I have ever successfully taken.

Yet another great weekend here in my little world.  Stay tuned for more as our lives don't seem to ever slow down!!

Meant to Be

Well, it's official, Scott and I are meant to be.  I know, there was a lot of doubt flying around out there, but we are both truly disasters and shouldn't be allowed out of the house without aprons and bibs on.  

This past weekend was one spent here in our great city.  AND the sun actually came out and gave us a glimpse of summer.  Friday night we enjoyed dinner with the Strand fam at Balboa and then grabbed some fro yo and settled in for the night.  One of these days I will blog about my obsession with Fro Yo (preview: I gave blood just to get a free fro yo on Chestnut St. recently).

Saturday Scott woke up with a terrible case of the swine flu (otherwise known as the common cold) so we spent the day relaxing around the house.  I did rouse the patient long enough for him to accompany me to get Lola some vaccines (have to keep the princess healthy).  Oh what a little drama queen she is.  Only dog of about 15 to squeal like the vet was murdering her when she got her shots.  After that I had TWO patients on my couch.  

Sunday the swine flu had apparently run its course and we were back to our normal busy selves. It started with a great brunch at Robert and Karina's for Robert and Aaron's birthdays.  GREAT food and company.  Apparently my camera got lost in the abyss that is my purse so the only pictures I have to show for the weekend tie in with the second activity (and title of this post)...

After leaving brunch we headed off to our first Giants day game.  The sun was shining and we were actually in shorts and short sleeves!  Scott even got a sunburn.  WOO HOO!  

And the moment you have all been waiting for...the mess...

First, Scott had a little incident with his hot dog toppings.  While we were busy discussing how we can't take him anywhere, this happened....

Ketchup down my white pant leg!  The nice lady behind me gave me some water to try and get it out and a nice plug for OxyClean.  Bleach worked just fine :-)!

So, the rest of the game was spent with the two of us walking around with ketchup and mustard on our pants, but smiles on our faces.

Another great weekend!

Brookstone at SFO

You may or may not recall me taking a bit of a dig at my mom for her power converter she brought along to Scotland.  You might remember that it was huge and seemed slightly archaic and possibly the reason her bag was over 50 lbs. 

Well...

Apparently they are still being sold on shelves!

Sorry, mom...looks like you aren't living in the Stone Age!

Missouri cntd...

Scott mentioned that my last post was a bit of a "highlight" reel and needed more words.  You see, I try to walk a fine line between filling my readers in and being completely boring!  The highlights from the previous post are absolutely friends and family.  Every time I go back to St. Louis I get a nice "full" feeling from seeing my family and friends.  This time was extra special because I got to spend an extended time with Cindy, Gab, Greg, Kay, Brian, Crick, Kyle, Tanner, Kayla, Mom, Dad, and Scott.  I also got some great one on one time with Eli, Allie and Justin. They might as well be family they are so close to me.  So, truth be told, it is hard to put all the weekend meant to me into words so I choose to just go activity by activity.  Let's just say, it is never easy to leave but I am SO happy to have these relationships that know no boundaries...time zones, states, etc...

So back to the recap...

Saturday we headed south to Cape Girardeau for the family reunion.  It was so nice to catch up with family I haven't seen in ages.  Albeit slightly embarrassing to introduce myself to people who know and remember me!  Next time I will be on the ball.  I guess you just get better at remembering/valuing family with time?!  That sounds bad...hopefully you all know what I mean!

As you can see, summer actually exists in Missouri!  Hooray for summer clothes!

Second Generation Kyle family...children of Otis and Lola Kyle.  My Grandma is bottom left.  BY THE WAY...no one ever mentioned to me that my Great Grandma is named Lola!  Odd?  I think so!  I always knew her as Lois (real name...Lola Elois Kyle).

Third generation.  If you look really closely you can pick out my dad, Kyle, and Cindy.

Fourth generation.  Funny to be in the same picture as Tanner and Kayla.  I guess we all span a lot of years!

The whole clan!

The inlaws showing their excitement to be part of the Kyle family.  Spot my mom and Crick!

The Koon family branch had a little trouble getting it together for the camera...but, hey, we were having fun!

I managed to make Tanner fall asleep! I don't have this gift on a daily basis!

Scott VERY excited...why?

His first Missouri downpour out of nowhere!  We don't really get storms...at all...in San Francisco.

Saturday night was a wonderful night at the Koon home with a little PF Changs and some fireworks!

Dado fixing some margaritas while Kyle prepared a sink bath for Tan Man!

Meanwhile, Kayla, Gab and Scott were outside blowing bubbles!

Cousin Gregory loving little Tanner.

Bottle rockets, cigars, wine!  We also had sparklers...wow, that will take you back!

Kayla learned how to sit Indian Style.  Brings me back to PE class in elementary school!  

I'm serious...it keeps going (no wonder I am so tired!)...

Sunday Funday at Derryrosa!  Dennis and Derry (amazing friends that have become family over the years) invited the whole clan out to their house for some lunch, visit with the horses and donkeys, a little putting, and great fun.  

Me and Halo.

Scott working on his game on Dennis's green.

What is it with me and holding small children with drinks in my hand?!  Me, Tanner (yes, his pink hat is nice!), and Greg.

Kayla working on her game...

Dusty and Benji.  Yes, they are as cute as they look!

Kayla, Gab, Greg, Grammy and Tanner.  LOVE this picture!

So again, this post probably doesn't do this trip justice but it is the best I can do without making you all wait days and days for it!  Stay tuned, I might add a few odds and ends here and there...

Midwest Adventure

This past weekend (Thursday-Monday to be exact) we traveled back to my hometown of St. Louis (Chesterfield to be exact) for the Kyle (Dad's side) reunion.  If you haven't put it together yet, this means that Kyle and Chrissie and the kids were along as well.  To catch everyone up to speed, Kyle is my dad's cousin, making him my first cousin once removed.  

Kayla getting ready for the airplane ride!  She was a terrific passenger and even got a compliment on how good she was (Tanner too!)

Thursday was a day of travel ending with a delicious lasagna dinner at home.  We were VERY lucky to get unseasonably cool and un-humid weather so we were able to sit outside and enjoy catching up over some wine, cigars, and port. 

Cousin Gabrielle holding baby Tanner

On Friday the day started off with two wonderful visitors...Eli and Allison.

Eli and Tanner (one week apart) making fast friends.

It was SO great to see both of them.  Eli is wonderful and I wish I could be around to watch him grow up and not miss a thing...Allie-get to work on Skype! 

After our visit at home, the whole team packed up and headed for the zoo.  For the record, the St. Louis zoo is phenomenal!  A place to be admired and a must see if you are ever in the area...plus, it's FREE!!

Scott and I at the zoo

The fun continued with a trip to Blueberry Hill for a late lunch.  We had lots of fun playing darts, PacMan, playing with the photo booth, etc...  Plus, the burgers were AMAZING!

Dad and Tanner waiting for our food.

This one is just for Jax...those are ALL Pez dispensers.

Miss Kayla showing off her shooting skills!  Yikes!

Friday night the fun continued with a trip to the ballpark.  It was Scott's first visit to Busch and I always love a Cardinals ball game! 

Showing off the brick I got for my dad when they built the new stadium.

Not a bad backdrop!

Allie and Me (she got a night away from the little man and came out to play!)

Apparently they put these all over for the All Star Game.  Makes for a nice photo-op.

Aimee, me, Scott, Justin and Allie at Harry's after the game.  Always fun to pay a visit! (note Scott's shirt and hat...we are going to make a Cardinals fan out of him yet)

Somehow Justin convinced Scott that a trip to White Castle was a good idea on the way home.  Or was it Scott that convinced Justin?  Regardless, they got their tiny little burgers and they smelled every bit as disgusting as I remember!

Saturday and Sunday are going to be recapped in a later post!  So many pictures and fun to share!