s.f. preview

the bay area is absolutely beautiful.  yes, oh yes, it is.  if i could i'd move up there right now.  i love san diego, but come on.  it's green up there!  there's trees!  sun?  i have to be honest, i'm not that huge of a fan.  besides, they get sun up there...it's not like it's washington!  not that i mind washington (eek!  i'm digging myself deeper).  i just love the different scenery too.  color is big for me.  and the bay area has loads of it.  the trees, the greenery alongside the freeways and roads, the buildings and even many home colors.  i loved seeing hot pink homes, teal, purple, even orange (it was really nice looking actually!).  maybe they're all a little bit eccentric up there, but i am too.  maybe it's pretty fitting!

anyway, i thought i'd share a few of the random photos i took on the fly.  the tree above was by far my favorite tree in berkeley (that i saw).  those are truly the colors it was.  i wanted to take most all pictures right at that tree.  i could sleep under it.  is that sounding reminiscent?  i think so...see these trees. 

anyhoo...then there's this view from up on the hill overlooking berkeley and the bay.  it was a little hazy, so you can't see the bridges or the city, but it's still amazing.

driving back to s.f. from berkeley at sunset was a treat.  we got to watch the sun set through the city skyline.  i've noticed lately how quickly the sun actually does go down once it's about an inch or two above the horizon.  i love watching it.  i haven't quite caught any of it on camera, but i will.

the bay bridge

the ferry clocktower in san francisco.  so pretty!

 

and of course, san francisco's side of the bay bridge.  did you know that half of it belongs to oakland?  nina told me that.  i learned a lot about s.f. and berkeley that i didn't know.  i also love all the big cranes, that look like star wars droids, across the bay.  see 'em?  the big white things hanging across.  yep.

i love san francisco

my love for this city has grown immensely during this last weekend.  i spent a good full three days (and a bit) there having such a great time!  i drove up with my neighbor, friend, mentor, future band-mate, fellow red, etc....nina.  like mentioned before we went up to do some photo sessions in berkeley, which has also quickly become one of my favorite, quirky cities in the bay area.  where else can you see some of the most interesting trends in fashion and politics?  honestly now...no where!  berkeley is crazy headquarters.  to make it even better, it is absolutely beautiful!  i've almost convinced myself that i need to live there.  almost.

i will be posting some of my photos later this week.  there are many to edit and all, so just give me a few days.  i missed my kiddies dearly and am happy to be home.  i can't wait to take them there and show them all the beautiful and incredible styles of architecture, food and living life.

stay tuned!

Derek's Flat

The girls were more than excited to visit Uncle Carrot's place in Utah. He owns a cute little condo in Provo, so we stayed there quite a bit. The favorite at his place, by far, was the awesome hammock he built into his living room. There were many a tear whenever it was to be put away.

Derek's an artist, can you tell? His decorative taste is very....Derek. He fills his old milk jugs up with water and food coloring, and then uses them for shooting practice later.

There was lots of that (above), and this (below). Unfortunately the "this" didn't last long. She was very attached to "mama", so the minute the picture was taken she was off and at my feet saying "I carry you"...meaning, "hold me!".

And then there was THIS. We played Texas Hold-em all NIGHT. I cleaned up big time. Totally won! The next night, Dad and then Derek each won a round. Good times! Lady Gaga would be proud of my 'poker face'. Oh yeah! =)

A Day at the Speirs

We just returned from a fun-filled trip to Utah. The beginning of our trip starts here, at the Speirs residence! This is Stephen's grandparent's house in St. George. It was so nice to get out of the car, stretch our bodies and see family. The girls always love their cats when we visit. They had a blast playing with them.

Sienna wasn't so shy, which was amazing and great. She was openly talking to Mary Ellen and Carl. She was also passing out hugs left and right, which we all loved!

We've no idea why, but Chloe took a particular interest in this little cat play thing. She kept calling it a little tent. It was quite entertaining watching her in it for a while. I think it confused the cats seeing her in it.

We love ya Grandma & Grandpa Speirs!