A Sure Cure for Boredom...

Have any of you ever threatened your husband, through tears, that if he didn't start wearing cologne every day you were going to pack your bags and find someone who would? No? No you haven't? Oh.

Me neither.

What? You think I was talking about me? And now that I put it out there and none of you can relate to that kind of psychosis I'm getting all sweaty and nervous and trying to play it cool? You think you can bully me into fessing up!?

Ok. It was me. I said it....

I know I've used this picture on my blog before, back when Sam ruffled my feathers by laying on my side of the bed and therefore getting it all hot, but it's just so perfect. And, just so we're clear, mom, that blonde-haired, blue-eyed lady in the photo isn't me--even though you thought it was the last time you saw it... much to the awe and bewilderment of everyone around you.

The thing is, I don't have any friends here in San Ramon yet. Which means I'm bored. And a little mopey. And when I get bored I start thinking of all the things I can pick fights with Sam about. And being mopey makes me want to pick fights with Sam, too. Basically, Bored+Mopey=Sam's gettin' punched in the face. It's pretty much inevitable.

But I think we're gonna make it, folks. I think we weathered the storm and are stronger for it. And for that I will always be grateful.

But don't underestimate my love for men's cologne.

We have had a most excellent time exploring our old stomping grounds. All of the sights that I thought were so awesome here in the bay area have been one-hundred times more thrilling as I've shared them with my ever enthusiastic Turkey Sub. 

The 15 minutes we spent looking at the sea lions at Pier 39 were difficult for me. They smelled so bad I could hardly even remain standing in their presence. See the guy's face next to me? Exactly. 

But the girls were loving every moment of "Arh Arhing" at them and laughing so hard when any of them made a peep or moved an inch... so it was hard for me to stay mad at them for long.

Let's be honest, the real highlight of our day of exploring was the food. This is true of pretty much any of our outings. And returning to Ghirardelli Square for their famous hot fudge brownie sundaes did not disappoint (my scale the next morning).

Look at these little dears. Have you ever seen two cuter faces?

 Delish.

These next two photos pretty much sum up Sam and Leah's relationship completely.

 And these two sum up ours...

Unfortunately for Tiny Tuna, she fell asleep right as we got to Gherardelli Square and remained that way for the duration. I took one for the team by eating her share of the ice cream. Only a mother's love... 

Just the four of us. 

We stopped at the beach on Fisherman's Wharf so Leah could brighten everyone's day...

 And practice her photography skills... not too shabby.

I'd say my favorite place in the whole bay area (so far) is Muir Woods. So it was the first place we headed off to show the kiddies. It's breathtaking. And feels sacred... so much so that almost everyone walking around whispers like you're in some sort of cathedral. Except the French people. They don't whisper. Ever.

She's a real ham, folks. And if any of you know her dad, you know she gets it from him.

These little dears would have stayed like this all day if they could. Just jabbering away and looking for animals.

This photo was taken as Leah was shouting, "mom! mom! mom!" at me in rapid fire and Eve was doing the bucking bronco trying to escape. But it's the only one of me and the girls so it's staying! And we'll just pretend that's serenity and adoration you see on my face and not stewing, volcanic rage.

You'd think that because my greasy hair and outfit were nearly the exact same on these two outings that they were on the same day. And that's okay. That's a perfectly natural response and nothing to be ashamed of. I just don't want you feeling embarrassed when I tell you that it was actually because I hadn't done my laundry in several weeks and possibly hadn't showered for that long either. But it's okay. You just go on thinking it was all the same day. Whatever helps you sleep at night, buddy.

And, for the sake of staying current before I undertake the documentation of our monstrous summer, I will share one more excursion to Mount Diablo. I know, I know. It's a lot to take in all in one blog post. Bare with me! It's almost over!

Sam and the munchkins at the summit:

And me and the munchkins... with my eyes closed... getting felt up by one Baby Eve. But look! I took a shower! And the Turkey Sub is fabulous.

More of my cute kinfolk. I yuv them.

Eve was happily engaged climbing this terrifying staircase the whole time. And mama had to get shrill a few times.

Sometimes the wind blows juuust right...

 See? I told you I'd be quick. And that last picture was worth seeing. Admit it.

Now--over the course of the next few weeks, my intention is to show you so many exhilarating photos that you will be forced to come and visit. Because remember, I'm bored. And a little mopey. So do it for Sam. And for our country. The red, white, and the blue. (and if you don't get that last reference then just forget I ever said anything. and if you do... I knew we were friends).