I hella love Nor-Cal!

Ruthie and I spent the Labor Day weekend in Oakland, California with one of my best friends Anne and her husband Eric. We had a great time catching up on gossip, taking walks, and cooking (well, Anne and Eric cooked and I ate). Oakland is a beautiful city and as a bonus, Anne lives right above a Whole Foods market (which we affectionately called "the Foods"). Every night and sometime during the day too, we'd take a walk through "the Foods" and scope produce, make-up and other miscellaneous money wasters. It was great!

The typical morning routine ... coffee and baby holding

Ruth was a super traveler. She was excellent on the plane both ways, earning her wings and a 'First Flight' certificate from the flight attendant. We asked for another set of wings for big brother Roman since he was so interested in our flight. Carl told me that every time he saw a plane in the sky he would say, "Hi Mommy, Hi Ruthie". Besides some pretty nasty traffic in San Francisco when we landed, the rest of the trip was smooth sailing. We got to visit a Redwood forest, check out the Berkeley campus, eat some great food and do a little shopping. It was the perfect trip.

Hiking adventure ... don't we look cute!

Golden Gate Bridge

Looking up adoringly at Anne

Adorable couple in the Berkeley Farmers Market

Anne and Ruth on the Berkeley campus

Eric and Ruthie

Chill out, it's California baby

One thing I hadn't counted on was how much I was going to miss Roman and Carl. Luckily, my boys met us at the airport and when we entered baggage claim they were there to give hugs and kisses. It was one of the best moments.

Brother-sister reunion on the blankie

Thanks for the shirt Anne & Eric

Anne & Eric: Thanks again for your hospitality. We had a great time and I can't wait until we can get together again. I miss you very much Anne. Much love to you both!