Rose Garden Sunset over the Golden Gate

Okay did anybody notice that the title of this post was rose garder for a few days. Oh well. So we have been having the MOST AMAZING January weather believable. And I feel kinda mean talking about it because I know that the East Coast is beyond cold right now. Seeing temp readings of NEGATIVE Double Numbers in the shire and in Boston. So I am feeling for you all - but I am also so enjoying running around in short sleeves and being on the verge of complaigning that I am getting too warm.

The beauty of this place is taking my breath away again and again. I think I have always appreciated the bay area - but seriously being away for a few years has made it that much more Awe Inspiring to me. Nearly everyday I am hit by something - the redwoods and eucalyptus by my house, the sweeping views of the bay and marin as I drive the boy to preschool, the magic of the fog, the stunning sunsets like this one that was so literally perfect with the bay clear and the Marin mountains and the GoldenGate framed between the Berkley Trees.

If you haven't been here in awhile you should come visit.

Skytown Parade

Kiddie Rides in Santa Cruz

After we checked out of the lovely hotel in Monterey we got into the car and headed up to Santa Cruz - not a long haul at all. It was even more gorgeous out - Monterey had been foggy in the morning but by Santa Cruz it was nothing but sun and the temps had to be reaching the low 70's (sorry Boston folks). Sadly though since it is still the middle of winter 9/10ths of the boardwalk rides were shut down for the season. But Em and the monkey did find a couple adventures to have. Above you can see them on the race cars which look pretty tame but do really whip you around as you head into the curve. He also rode the carousal and some spinny ride with Em that nearly made her puke.

I took a walk along the beach with Em's folks and we all had some decent lunch before heading on up the coast toward Half Moon Bay and SFO.

Not a bad visit at all

Boardwalk

me, Santa Cruz boardwalk, sun, short sleeves. What more can I say. Oh yeah - January!!

Beach Day

Here are my toes as they sample the lovely sands at Carmel by the sea. I know you'd reather see a photo of the beach and ocean, or the Pebble Beach golf course at my right, but hey thats not the photo I took.

So we are on a MLK weekend vaca with Em's folks that has been a quick jaunt down to Monterey and have been blessed with the most amazing sunshine-y day evah! Especially since we got hit with a lot of cloudy overcasty rainy days for awhile now. So we got up this morning to some blazing sun - sat outside for breakfast then walked down to the Monterey Bay Aquarium which was only three blocks away. The boy loved the Jelly fish I love the otters... We all had a good time. Then down to Carmel for a bit of time on the beach and back for dinner in Monterey.

A really good day!

Bounty!!!!

Why I love Discovery Museum

sweeping the golden gate bridge

Year In Pix December

2010

Last year we rang in the new year at 11 Howard - it was a pretty amazing year. Full of transitions and growth for us all. We said goodbye A LOT - and welcomed in some new friends and family as well.
and as this year begins our hearts are filled with memories and expectations. We cant wait to share much joy in 2011 with both east and west coast family and friends.
Cheers!!!