First steps...

We were up and at em early this morning (5:30am... thank you, daylight savings) and we were all hanging out in the playroom and Oliver stood up and took a few steps and then lunged into Derek. Even though it was only a few steps... they were his first steps!!! Very exciting for me and Derek!

What a happy halloween

Miles wanted nothing to do his costume and trick or treating last year, so we were ready for the same this year.

Well, what a difference a year makes!

Miles had a blast cruising the bustling streets of Westchester manor with his buddies Brent and Mateo. I think the fact that he understood that he was going to get candy at each house was a huge incentive for him. And, he even braved the (lame) haunted house that was in someone's garage. (Well, I had to hold him, but I was very impressed that he went in). It was so much fun watching him get so excited at each house and he was so good about saying thank you. :) And, Oliver was in the stroller and loved watching all of the action. But, it started raining and Derek took Oliver home early. But the rain wasn't going to stop Miles!

Another great part of the night was was trick or treating at the houses where we are friends with the neighbors and they invited us in for something to drink... a juice box for Miles and a glass of wine for me! We both arrived home with a nice buzz... Miles from sugar and mine from a few drinks. :) Everyone was happy.

35

Last Friday, I turned 35 and while I made a few jokes about turning 29... I have to say that I am honestly not in denial and I am very ok with being 35.

While 35 does seem (or sound) like a very "adult" age (god forbid I say old), the fact of the matter is that I am very adult now. Well, I am definitely 35 on paper - when it comes to owning a house, having two kids, a husband, two car payments, and a full time job. HA. But, I still do consider myself 29 in spirit - I still like to get out and do and try new things, fire it up, laugh a lot, and ignore my aging skin.

But, 35 feels like a good age. I feel like I get respect at work and at home (the two boys next door call me Mrs. Lu which I think is HILARIOUS and I always tell them to call me Angie) and I don't get carded when I buy liquor anymore (I mean, really, I sure hope I look older than 21!)

I also feel like I've done the things I thought I would do by the time I was 35... I've traveled a bit, I am married to an awesome super model husband, I have a house, I have two amazing kids, I have a handful of best friends who I can rely on for anything, and I have a Honda Pilot (LOL).

Life is good. Speaking of live is good... I spent a wonderful weekend in Tomales Bay with wonderful friends, great food, amazing weather and hiking. Good times.

Simple cuteness

What's up with the tongue, Oliver?

Sweet San Francisco (and car naps too)

Today we took the boys and Hao-bu to San Francisco to check out Fleet Week. As you all know, Derek and I loved living in SF and we really miss the city (even though we know we have a great life for our kids in San Jose). We went to the Ferry Building for breakfast and then rode the street car to Pier 39 (I know, I know, it's such a tourist trap nightmare, but when you have young kids, the sea lions and the carousel come in handy). Then we met up with Christina and Justin and went to Crissy Field to watch the Fleet Week air show and get a bite to eat. It was a beautiful San Francisco summer day (fall = summer in SF) and I am so glad that we took the family up there.

The boys seem to have had a great time too... and both boys (and Hao-bu) managed to conk out on the drive home.

While napping, Miles wouldn't let go of his $6 hot dog (no joke, it was $6... and in this economy, that's a lot for a hot dog!)
And Oliver wouldn't let go of Hao-bu's hand... so very sweet.

11 months... huh?

Today my sweet Oliver is 11 months old. I really have no idea how the past 11 months flew by so fast. I really cannot believe in 1 month we will be singing happy birthday and he will be 1. I cannot believe that in 1 month, we wont be feeding Oliver with a bottle anymore. Time flies. Too fast.

Tonight, I really felt like I slowed down, forgot about work, the mess in the house, and just played with the boys. We crawled around the living room couch, we tried to scare each other and we laughed ... I loved every minute of it.

Girlfriend time in Portland

This past weekend I flew up to Portland for a 3rd annual girls weekend with a handful of my favorite girlfriends from home (Colorado), including my amazing sister. Since I live far from home and my friends, this annual trip is really a special treat each year. We had a really fabulous time... lots of great food, drinks, shopping, walking, laughing, and more shopping, drinking, and eating. The people in Portland were super friendly and we even got some gray, rainy weather (which I loved). We stayed in a really fun, hip hotel which had an incredible coffee shop and a restaurant/bar that served some darn good margaritas. I had a great time with great friends... and loved seeing Heather's growing belly (baby # 3 - GO Heather!).

A special thanks to Derek and his mom for watching the boys... I know I've had a busy fall with my Breast Cancer walk and this and I appreciate you supporting me and giving me this time. :)

Pre-dinner drinks with my sweet sister Cristina...


Heather's incredible laughter - this goes down as one of my very favorite pictures...



Amazing dinner at Paley's Place...