Sweet Summer Days

Gettin' sassy in the swimsuit after a dip in the plastic pool.

Today we met up with my childhood through college Best Friend, Kathy who is back living in Colorado, so wonderful to reconnect with special and wonderful people!
Fourth Generation Girls:  Great Grandma Leta, Grandma Patty (aka Gigi), a Dad Ryan and a Mom Heather with respective Babies Addison and Sophie.  How time marches on!

Grand Lake, or, Camp PS (President Sophie)

Forget that "Camp David" place,  the new, hip, Presidential hangout is Grand Lake, Colorado.  Here are some select photos from our three days there, hosted by the President's fantasitc Aunt Kelly, Uncle Ryan, and Cousin Addison.

Day 1:  Not all fun and games; first on the agenda, a Summit Meeting on NASA.

Also, important meetings with new Delegates, such as Miss Zoe.  And discovering that they share the same shoes...
An encounter with this wild lion was met with sweetness and diplomacy.
Day 2:  Delicate negotiations with Cousin Addison seemed to be going quite well (by the way, this photo was NOT staged, I came around the corner and found them like this!  Cute!)...
...maybe a little too well, as the day ended up perhaps inappropriately naked in the bathtub together, ahem.
Day 3:  With all foreign and familial negotiations and trade agreements finalized, Sophie and the Presidential First Mom enjoyed a morning boat ride on the Lake with Kelly, Ryan and Addison.
And of course, some quiet time on the beach for one busy Lady.

Relaxing in Colorado

After the excitement of Sophie's impending Presidency, we retired to Gigi and PopPop's house to relax.  Very important for leaders of big countries.

Sophie Rocks the DNC

Here we are with Gigi in Denver at Invesco Field, where Obama is to give his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention, yay!

Too late, Obama!  Sophie has swept the votes and snatched the Presidency!  Sure, she hasn't been around very long and never been to D.C., and yes, that's a handi wipe she's sucking on (don't ask...), but the picture proves it!  President Sophie!

(But really Go, Obama, Go!)

Sweet Napper....Finally!

Sophie has many strong points...napping has never been one of them!  But recently we moved to one nap after lunch, and she is finally napping like all the books say babies do - and I finally get to do those "naptime projects" like watch Soap Operas and drink Champagne.  Okay, really I mostly work sewing for Cicada, but sometimes I watch a DVD and sip some bubbly water!

Bathtime Fun

Yup.

Beach Day!

Another gorgeous day at Golden Gardens Beach on a sunny summer day.

Joined by Gillian and Nora.  Digging in the sand is very cool!
Love, love for everyone!

Hold On! W'ere Catching Up!

So I know we jumped to the walking video, which was REALLY exciting, but there are all sorts of fun times to fill in, so in the coming week, please check back beyond the Lil' Walker for more summertime sweetness!

Thanks!

Dear Jack

Today my dear ol' cat, Jack, died.  Jack (the girl with the no-nonsense name) has been my companion, roommate, and familiar for fifteen and a half years.  I adopted her from the Shelter in Orange, California in my final year at college.  She was not a kitten then, and our Vet said last year that she seemed close to eighteen years old, a good ol' cat.

I told Jack way back then that she was looking forward to a life on the road with me; I was a girl on the move.  She said, "Okay."

California, Lake Powell, Colorado, Florida, New York City, Santa Fe, Utah, Seattle... seven cross-country road trips, three flights, one boat trip, and I can't begin to count how many apartments.  But no matter where we were, she was always there to snuggle to sleep behind my knees.
Then Sophie came along.  When she was new, Jack would sit by her bassinet and watch her sleep.  And when Sophie became more, uh, constructive with her time, Jack kept an eye on her then, too.  Jack will be missed deeply, but what a wonderful life we shared.
Olive juice, Jack.

Summer of Love II: Kathleen & Javier's Wedding

We spent a lovely day in Bellingham, here we are at the Bite of Bellingham - a whole block long!  The food sure was good!

Someone has discovered the joy of pushing her own stroller.
Family photo in our wedding best.
It was a beautiful wedding by the river!  Here are mom and Sophie catching a quiet moment to eat!

Did we mention Sophie likes Books?