Thank goodness for lunch breaks…Â
I really cannot wait until the month of August is over. Looking back at the calendar – we’ve had something every weekend. Our only “free” day was the first Sunday of the month.
We started out our activity/event-laden month with my cousin’s son’s birthday party at Ryder Park in San Mateo. Mads had been here before with her day care group. It’s such a great park – new play equipment, swings, “sandbox” and even a water play area. Despite eating before we left, Mads gorged herself on watermelon, then we took her on the swings. Probably not the best idea on our part.
The following Saturday we met some new friends who had just moved here from Philly. Since they have two little boys, we met at the newly refurbished Children’s Playground in Golden Gate Park. I chose that spot because of the carrousel, but for some reason it didn’t open while we were there.
The next day, the Wongs paid us a visit – and we finally got to meet little Holland! I think the girls got along, until Mads tried to run her over with her walker toy. Just kidding. We broke in the new gas grill and had cheeseburgers for lunch. Holland also received many a puppy kiss from Lucie – which she didn’t like too much.
I guess you could say that we were busy cleaning the house in preparation for the big O-N-E party. A lot of good that did us, since we had the party completely outside!
Slowly, Mads’ party was getting OOC (out of control) – my last count was 50+ people, 40-ish adults, 10 children and 2 dogs – in our tiny backyard. Our kitchen was literally CostCo and I couldn’t see the back of the fridge if I tried. The party didn’t spill into the sideyard as I had hoped, but rather into garage and computer room. But I think that everyone had a good time – there was plenty of food and plenty of cupcakes: yellow cake with chocolate frosting, chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting, red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting and (my fave) coconut cupcakes! (Thanks to grammy and aunt katie!) We did buy a small cake for Mads to get messy with – and she did. Cake, frosting everywhere! People, beware, do not take cake away from this girl because she will scream like no tomorrow. After cleaning up a little, we opened presents. I am happy to say that she received more clothes than toys. One toy, she could not even wait for us to take it out of the box – the princess cruiser, she can ride this as she cruises for prince charming. Complete with lights and songs and no volume control! (Thanks to B&A!)
As if the party wasn’t enough for a weekend, we were off to a bridal shower the following day. My cousin is getting married next week and we figured we’d better get to know the girl he’s marrying, non? Actually, it was just another reason to eat. Chicken croquettes, wontons, lumpia, pancit, vietnamese spring rolls, mac&cheese and a chocolate cake and cheesecake to top it all off. There goes those last couple pounds I dropped.
This coming weekend we are off to the Darling’s 5th annual Fry Party. For the life of me I can only remember the last two – so either we didn’t go or we did and had a great time and I just can’t remember! Once a year our friends, the Darlings, host a day of “debaucherous frying”. Think of all the crazy carni food you can imagine in one place: Fried turkey, fried pickles, fried twinkies, fried cheese curds (my favorites). The winner of best fryable was the deep fried big mac – yes, folks, dipped in batter and then fried, the big mac was da bomb! I’m always a fan of the deep friend snickers, almond roca and oreos. Battered & fried chocolate? Can it get any better than that?
K-bean hit parade
Toob: Damages – if you’re not watching you should; Flight of the Conchords – so silly it’s hilarious
Tunes: Amy Winehouse, Paolo Nutini, Snow Patrol, KT Tunstall, Bebel Gilberto
Pages: The Blessing of a Skinned Knee: Using Jewish Teachings to Raise Self-Reliant Children by Wendy Mogel – am only part way through it, but am loving it. Thanks to my friend Dani for the recommendation.
Okay – posted a meaningful post, what’s next on the list?
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