Last updated: Tuesday August 04, 2009

4th Birthday Party

The kids anticipate their attack on the moonbounce. Looks like Jon (Abigail's dad) and Marcus (TJ's grandpa) might like a go at it, too!

Here's what they are watching and waiting for!

The height and design of the pirate moonbounce are impressive. Love the parrot and cannon!

Abigail, Wambui and Derek on the attack.

Aidan out, Talia in.

Aidan follows Lily into the fray.

Tristan and Wambui, in turn, exiting the moonbounce via its steep slide. Yipe!

Kids line up to take their turns at the pirate pinata! Eamon, Manny, Talia, Olive, Wambui, Lily and Tristan.

Tristan, Olive, Talia, Eamon and Wambui each take a crack at the piñata

The destruction complete, kids collect their loot. Wambui, with dad Kevin, shows off her bling!

A happy boy enjoys his day.

Derek, to Tristan: "What's cooler than this new Thomas train I brought you for your birthday? Nothin'!" (with Ben & Chiara in bkgd.)

The birthday cake, with pirate decorations by Mama!

The kids contemplate which piece of the cake they will consume (Manny, Eamon, TJ, Talia).

The Ladies: Julia, Chris, Cynthia, Susan (moms of Talia, Lily, Tristan, and Manny, respectively).

Julia and Susan enjoy a quiet moment of conversation while Manny and Derek play.

Grandmas: Karen (Derek's) and Pat (Tristan's) chat on the deck.

TJ and Derek, still bouncing long after the others are worn out.

San Francisco Trip

Joaquin Miller Park

Joaquin Miller Park, Oakland: trees in early morning fog

Tristan and Mama in a magical misty clearing, Joaquin Miller Park

Daddy, with the strongest back, carries the pack with all our stuff.

Tristan and Daddy hike into the park.

Bay trees grow every which way on the steep hills.

Tristan frolics by the twig lean-to we found and augmented.

While Tristan spent the evening with Adriel and his baby sitter,
the grownups -- Francisco, Merav, Michael, and Cynthia (not pictured)
-- went to dinner at Chapeau!

Tilden Park

Merav and Adriel on the trail in Tilden.

Adriel and Tristan collect pebbles to toss over the steep edge of the trail. Boys!

Ah, the satisfaction of pebble tossing!

Lovely light in the trees along the trail.

The little steam engine in Tilden.

Merav, Adriel and Tristan wait for our ride to begin.

Train tracks and steam plumes on our way through the woods.

Tristan fjords the stream near where we picnicked. There were newts that you could pick up and hold in your hand.

Tristan took a really good nap that day!

Wildflowers near the beginning of Land's End trail.

Tristan on the steps leading down to the Sutro Bath ruins.

Windswept trees near the beginning of Land's End trail.

TJ & Daddy on the trail.

The woodsy side of Land's End.

TJ strikes poses to amuse the photographer while taking a rest on a log with Daddy.

Fog slowly lifts off the Golden Gate.

Tristan and Michael walking down from the Land's End trail toward Sutro Bath ruins.

The Sutro Bath ruins.

To each his own modus transportandi! Tristan and Michael
race to the Castro, one via trolley, the other via PT Cruiser.
Arrival was simultaneous!
 

Grandpa Barry and Grandma Judith visit