Golden Girl

sf ggb

one of our favorite things to do over the summer was to scout out new locations to view the bridge, and i think this was one of our favorite vistas. 

Birthday by the Bay!

jd turns one!

we celebrated JD's first birthday at Crissy Fields, and it was serious such a perfect day. the weather was a.m.a.z.i.n.g!! i was oh so happy that the sun decided to shine for us, even if it made for some difficult picture lighting... i was just happy to be warm! and i'm sure jd was too, since he had to get nakey to eat his cakey!

jd's cousins Landon & Bradley were able to come celebrate with us (and share his cake!) as well as his Aunt Laura. We loved living so close to family over the summer, and this was the perfect finale before we said our goodbyes.

jd seriously destroyed his cake! he loved it and couldn't get enough. I was cleaning blue frosting for dayyyz after

and shhhh! i totally cheated making the cake: 

-store bought strawberries. Nope, I didn't grow 'em myself.

-store bought angel food cake. Nor did I bake his cake from scratch.

-store bought whipping cream. I do not own a cow from which to gather milk, and churn into cream

-store bought food coloring. Again, no garden to gather natural vegetables and make my own dye. 

-Voila! Joys of living in a studio apartment with minimal kitchen utensils!

(oh, also: store bought strawberry shortcakes for the guests! mom fail or mom win!?)

anddd this picture is perfect, because it's very typical of 'jd + mom' photos... only one was taken the entire day. neither of us were prepared. and it's out of focus

 it was like jd knew it was his birthday - just look at this happy guy! we sure are grateful for this boy and the joy that he brings into our lives every darned day. having a baby completely changes/adds to your perspective, and jd has been a miracle for our family. can't wait for many more happy years to come watching this cute boy grow!

Stowe Lake

merrily merrily merrily merrily

life is but a dream!

JD did MUCH better with his life jacket this time around (remember our sailing episode?!), hallelujah!
this little boat ride was so peaceful. and just plain beautiful. I seriously love Golden Gate Park - it has  so many hidden gems! I could spend every Saturday in this park - that's how much I love it :) It was so nice to spend our last Saturday here and just enjoy a fun, busy, but peaceful day in the city.