A Great Week

The humid, overcast weather and Kate's grumpy mood today made for the perfect conditions to stay home and take it easy after a great week.

Here's some of what we did:

1) Fire Station Fun: On Monday, my cousin Dave and his family were still visiting and drove up to L.A. for a tour of Fire Station 62, where my other cousin Dennis works in Venice. Kate and I took advantage of the opportunity to see them all one more time before they headed back to Washington later in the week.

Back Row: Dalton, Amy Jo, Ryan, Dawson, Dave
Front Row: Duke, Me & Kate, Dennis

Feeling safe in a firefighter's arms.

Two of the youngest cousins, Duke and Kate.

Thanks for a fun family tour Dennis!

2) Dr. Mom's Lunch Date: On Wednesday, my good friend from grad school, Courtney Davis, and her adorable one year-old son, Luke, drove down from Santa Barbara for a lunch date. Courtney and I bonded at UCSB because we shared an office and the same perspective on why we were in grad school. It was such a fun afternoon as we strolled along Montana Ave with our babies and shared lunch at an outdoor spot. The conversation we had was definitely different from when we were in grad school stressing about the next deadline. I think we both agree that this new phase of life is much better!

The one year-old would not cooperate with our photo shoot!

Kate is so not impressed!

3) Table for Three: On Friday night, Steve and I took Kate to our favorite restaurant, Sushi Roku, for dinner. Of course, we went early and sat on the outside patio at the table furthest away from the door, but it was perfect! Kate stayed in her stroller for the entire meal, sleeping in the beginning and then watching intently as we ate. She only got fussy right at the end as we took the last bites of our baked crab handrolls that we always end our meal with and waited for the check.

The perfect dinner date!

Already practicing with chop sticks!

4) Big Surprise: The best part of the week for me came yesterday when we drove to Alta Loma, where I grew up, to attend a surprise birthday party for my best friend Natalie's dad. Natalie now lives in D.C. with her husband and two boys, so I don't get to see her nearly as often as I would like. I didn't get a good look at her as she walked over to me so when I gave her a hug, she had a big surprise for me...She's pregnant with baby #3 and it's a GIRL!

Kate meeting her soon-to-be best bud! She's due at the end of October!

Friends Forever!