Family Fun

I am going to skip my Saturday recap for the next post and focus on the family events we had this weekend first.

Friday after work we jumped in the car and headed up to Twain Harte.  It was my first visit during the summer and it was definitely different!  Twain Harte in the winter seems very sleepy and snuggly (for lack of a better description).  It is great to just head up and bundle up in the warm house and visit with family.  

Well, summer in Twain Harte is much different!  The town has officially come alive and it has a completely different feel, mind you, just as great.  Twain Harte gets HOT in the summer and we got a glimpse of that while we were there.  Hanging out on the deck, enjoying the fresh mountain air was perfect.  We also got to enjoy dinner outside at The Rock (GREAT chicken sandwich).  

The next morning we set out for a run.  Well, that pretty much sucked!  Sorry, but it did.  Apparently my 7 years at altitude did me no good since running at 3,000 ft almost killed me.  I got to check out the 9 hole golf course, putt putt course, and the infamous lake.  It all looks like great fun and I can't wait to get back up there and take full advantage of the town.  Did I mention I ran in shorts and a sports bra at 10am?!  It was great-felt like being back in a place that actually HAS summer!  

Sunday we headed down to Redwood City for Scott's brother Marc's 40th birthday celebration. This was also the first time I got to meet Marc.  It was a really special day and I am glad I got to be there to help Marc ring in the big 4-0!  Plus, it was great to see all of Scott's other brothers and sisters (have I mentioned he is 1 of 7?) and catch up with them (although we missed having Jim there).  

Marc and Scott were pretty much inseparable (or so it sounds) when they were kiddos!  I love this picture of the two of them.  Doesn't Scott look like a mini Fonzie?!

It was a great two days.  I am very fortunate to have such great family to spend time with and get to know.  I look forward to much more time with the Retchless clan!  

The big 4

Well, it's official...I have been a mom for 4 years.  Ok, a little shy of that but who is really counting?  

Today Lola turns 4.  Regardless of her crazy separation anxiety and complete fear of anything that beeps I plan to keep her around for another year ;).  She truly is the greatest little friend anyone could ever ask for and we are definitely lucky to have her snuggles and love every day.  

On the run from the start!

A day at the art fest was just a little exhausting for the little munchkin.

"hi, I'm Lola and I am VERY cute!" (just look how tiny that nose was-for the record, she was all of 2.5 lbs when I got her!)

It got a little ridiculous trying to go anywhere with her when she was a puppy!  Guys, if you need to meet girls, pick up a little pomeranian puppy!

"Oh, hi again.  I am still VERY cute and intend to stay this way so you will continue to spoil me rotten"

I could post a zillion more pictures of the little monster but I will stop.  After all, we have birthday festivities to get to...a trip to the dog store down the street, a run with mom and dad and some quality snuggle time.  Dad even promised a game of hand fight when he gets home from work.  What a lucky little birthday girl.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Long weekend recap

In true "stephanie on the move" fashion I will be recapping yet another jam packed, fun filled weekend!  

Friday we rested up for the busy weekend ahead and just cooked dinner and had date night at home.

Saturday...we finally made the trip and picked up a new (and first) grill.  After reading about a zillion reviews and joining consumer reports (woo hoo!) Scott picked out the best grill for us. However, by the time we drove out of the city to get it, fight Home Depot crowds and collect all of the "must have" accessories we were too beat to put it together so it stayed in the garage.  

Plus, we had GREAT plans on Saturday night.  In our quest to visit new areas of the city and try new restaurants we journeyed to North Beach.  Scott treated to me to a FABULOUS dinner at The House.  But, we need to back up.  We started the night at a bar that has been open since Prohibition called Tony Niks.  It was fun to try somewhere new before heading out for dinner.

Look...I actually drink something other than champagne!

The House...

Ok, back to The House.   If you have the opportunity, pay a visit, but make sure to make a reservation as it is TINY.  The tininess adds to the experience though.  The food was absolutely phenomenal.  You must get the salmon egg rolls as an appetizer (and the eel appetizer if you like eel).  The portions were very generous for the cost and everything was beyond my expectations.  Only gripe...it was clear that they were trying to turn tables as I felt a little rushed to order, eat, and get out.  All in all, a wonderful night...thanks to Scott for planning it for us :).

Had to make sure we got Scott (on the way home in the cab)

Sunday Funday.  In preparation for our half marathon Scott and I set out for our 4.5 mile run in Golden Gate Park.  We managed to wander our way around the park and eventually warm up (it is officially summer in San Francisco-cold and foggy) and see some great areas of the park. Afterwards, we were HUNGRY so we headed out for a little sushi at a restaurant Scott noticed on the way in (and also had heard was some of the best sushi in the city).  Well, let's just say our food luck continued.  Ebisu was absolutely heavenly.  The fish was to die for and melted in our mouths.  It was a great post run pick-me-up.

Post run...getting ready for my sushi

Scott too (the decor here was really great too)

After lunch...Andronico's...best.grocery.store.ever. (yes, mom, better than Dierbergs by a landslide-beats Whole Foods too)!  Enough said.  

Sunday we finally rallied and put together the grill.  One of my favorite things to do is assemble.  Furniture, grills, kid toys, anything that comes in pieces!  

Monday we took Miss Lola along for our run at Crissy Field and then had the Strand fam over to break in the grill.

Scott tuning it up for the maiden grill.

Here she is.  Note the beverage tray the pops out of the front-very handy!

Lola on the move! (she got a hair cut this weekend-isn't she pretty?!)

Enjoying the sun that finally came out

Miss Sue managing her recordings on TV (what are you watching, Kayla?)

BARNEY of course!

Little Tanner is growing SO fast!

Kayla and Scott playing in the bed (if you're happy and you know it pat the bed!)

Lola was beat after the long weekend...time for bed mom and dad!

More fun next weekend...stay tuned!

Breaking my rules...

I have always said this blog is not going to be a blubber fest gushing about my relationship. And I intend to hold to that, but I do have to share one thing...

My flowers.  Scott has taken to making sure we/I have fresh flowers in the house pretty much all the time.  They pop up unexpectedly and always make me smile.  He likes to give me trouble because I was once caught saying how silly I think flowers are because they just die.  I guess this is because I didn't get them and now I am whistling a different tune.  There is something pretty wonderful about having Scott walk through the door with a huge bouquet for me.  It never gets old.

Ok, that's it.  The end.

ZOO

So, as I mentioned, I now have a job five days a week.  While sitting in a cube/office every day is pretty exciting, I think this "work" is much more fulfilling!  

A typical week involves a few trips to the Y for jungle gym (lots of toys and a bouncy castle), swimming, parks, grocery store, breakfast with Enzo, a few miscellaneous errands, and most recently, THE ZOO!  

Scott's favorite

Clearly I ended up being the most excited for the zoo this week.  Although I will say Kayla gave me a run for my money sprinting (as fast as a 16 month old can) around the gorilla area doing her best impression.  It might be the cutest thing ever, but somehow Chrissie and I both failed to capture it on camera (not for lack of trying).  Next time we will get it (Chrissie is now a zoo member so we get to go frequently!).  Who knew the zoo could be so exciting?  I didn't but I sure do recommend a visit to your local zoo.  

All that animal watching tuckered little Kayla out.  

Jax pays a visit

This past weekend I had my first visitor to my new home of San Francisco!  Jax made the journey out for Bay to Breakers (we didn't end up doing it, more on that later) and we were able to catch up and also celebrate her engagement!  CONGRATULATIONS!  

After diving right into the "bridal folder" and evaluating potential wedding dresses, colors, bridesmaids dresses and all the other fun details that go into planning a wedding, Jax and I headed out for dinner in the Marina.  While Boulder has great sushi for being landlocked, Jax was anxious for some coastal fare so we went to Ace Wasabi and stuffed ourselves full of fish, beer, and sake! For any of those looking for a good recommendation, Ace Wasabi is fabulous. Great food, and great atmosphere.  I even hear they have Bingo during happy hour! 

Why go home when you can go to the Final Final?!  We decided to head up the road to meet Scott and Kyle (they were at the Giants game that night) for a nightcap and enjoy the old neighborhood (well, for Scott and Kyle anyway).  

Saturday, what else, Napa!  Obviously it is a place that Scott and I enjoy and we wanted to share that with Jax.  Plus, we get free champagne so we needed to take advantage and keep the celebration going.  

BUBBLES!  The best way to start a day in Napa.

The caves at Nickel & Nickel

Yes, Scott was there too!

Jax and me checking out her ring.  (ps-It ended up being 104 in Napa Saturday...a little toasty!)

As you can imagine, by the time we finished up in Napa we were all beat from two days of being on the go.  SO, the pizza man was called and we enjoyed a gorgeous night in the city chatting on the front stairs and stuffing our faces!  This is also when the decision was made to skip Bay to Breakers.  Dealing with 60,000 people and starting up the ol' liver again just didn't seem appealing.  Plus, sleeping in was a very nice plus of skipping the race.

As a result, we had a nice little Sunday touring Noe and spending some time browsing the shops on 24th and again, enjoying the unseasonal gorgeous weather.  

In conclusion...another great weekend in the great city of San Francisco! 

13.1

I love running, I love running, I love running, I love running, I love running, I love running,I love running,I love running,I love running,I love running,I love running,I love running,I love running,I love running,I love running,I love running,I love running,I love running,I love running,I love running,I love running,I love running,I love running,I love running,I love running,I love running...

Maybe if I say it enough, it will come true?! For some reason I have never taken to running. Sure, I occasionally have a run that feels effortless and pain free, but 98% of the time, I am wondering when it is going to end!  Sounds a little strange for someone who has been doing triathlons for the past 5 years, huh?  Clearly this is why I am not competitive and just do it to stay in shape.

Such is the case with the 1/2 marathon I just signed Scott and I up for!  As I mentioned, we are off to Hawaii in August, so, what better way to get in shape than forced running?!  We will be doing the San Francisco half marathon at the end of July.  It forces my "bikini bod" to peak a bit early but hey, then I just have to maintain!  

This is all so sad, but true!  I am running because, let's face it, most runners look great!  Nice long, lean legs.  So, long and lean, here I come!  

Wish us luck (and knee health-we are both going to struggle with this)!

Jax and me after Longhorn 70.3 (ends in a 1/2 marathon...I figure if I can do it after a 1.2 mile swim and a 56 mile bike, I can do it by itself!).  It is a bummer I can't have Jax in San Francisco for the next two months to push me along on my long runs!  Couldn't have done 70.3 without her!