Capitola, CA.

A few weeks back, Gia and I tagged along on one of Ralph's business trips. He had the hard job of heading to California's beautiful Capitola. It was a very short trip, but just enough time to get in some beach jogs and sand castle building. The weather was simply amazing and we found this great little place that served mini ice cream cones for a dollar. We each had two during our two day stay. I must say if we have another opportunity, we will be joining Ralph on every Capitola business trip!

Another year has passed.

Yesterday marked my moms birthday. She is now another year older. And for that, I am another year wiser.

I have been blessed with the worlds most incredible mother. I can honestly say, with the exception of High School, we have never had that tense mother daughter relationship. It breaks my heart when I hear girlfriends in their thirties talk about difficult scenarios with their moms.

My mom is a breath of fresh air. When she comes to visit, life is fantastic. And to top this off....all three T's agree.

My mom has taught me to not be afraid of change, to take charge of your destiny, to love with no apology and to give back to others what you would like in turn.

She is classically beautiful and graceful in every act. She brings a sense of calm and wonder to every room that she enters.

Most of all, there has never, ever, ever, ever been a moment when I did not feel loved.

Mom, I want to be just like you when I grow up.

This is a true crash from sugar.

Gia's first school performance.

I charged the battery on my DSLR. I put said DSLR in my purse. Ralph brought the video camera.

We got to school with time to spare. Color orange in the rainbow was styled and ready. Ralph went and saved us two seats. I joined him shortly.

Out comes my amazing DSLR. Let's take a couple of pre program shots. Click. Click.

I forgot to put the now fully charged battery back into my camera.

Two days prior I had removed the point and shoot from my bag.

Gia's big stage debut and all I have are these two stinking pictures.

Hopefully I can find some pictures from someone else.

Ralph does have the video.

If only we could figure out how to format those.

Headed to the Giants game.

Two peas in a pod.

Watching Calliou on my bed. Just relaxing on a summer night. Bliss.

Frances, just like Gia.

Did you read the Frances books when you were little? You know, the ones about the little creature (I think porcupine- I googled it to no avail) that was so sweet and only wanted to eat bread and jam.

Until that was all she had eaten for nearly a week!!?! Suddenly, left out and sad she wanted to eat other things. And her family ate soft boiled eggs from egg cups?
Well, Mimi brought us egg cups. Growing up, I was enamored (primarily because of my mother) by the details of illustrations in children's books. What the house looked like, the coat Madeline wore, the tree house Miss Suzy ate her nuts in, the egg cups France's family at from, and always pined to do things just like my favorite characters out of books. Fortunately for me (and now Gia) my mom (the beloved Mimi) always tried her darndest to make those pictures in books come to life for me. She continues to do the same for Miss G. What fun.

And in case you were wondering, it is true. Soft boiled eggs from egg cups...really are that much better than just a plain soft boiled egg.