We have been in the bay area for two weeks for Marc's "paternity leave." He didn't take any time off when Livia was born, so we decided that we would take an extended trip up north to visit with friends and family. We still have a week left, but I figured I should post a few things now to leave plenty of space for the next week (which is full of 30th birthday festivities for me). The drive up here was a bit of a nightmare; I didn't realize that we would not get in until 4 am, but I had plans with Erica first thing for her birthday. Than scheduled a couple of pedicures for me and Erica... well, I had had a foot soak and massage because the thought of having someone touch my toenails makes me cringe. But we had a lovely time and then we were off to Camry's soccer game, followed by lunch before Erica and her family headed to Oroville. So it was a fun, albeit busy, first morning, and I think I did rather well considering that I was running on about four hours of sleep. We finally got some rest on Sunday, but then we were off again Monday morning to a park that Marc used to go to when he was a kid.
I have heard of the cement slide many times, but it was not at all what I was expecting. I guess I thought that Peggy took the boys somewhere where there was a cement slope that they used as a slide, but no; it was a real slide. An intimidating cement slide that has been slicked up over the years by people using wax paper and cardboard to slide down. I am not ashamed to admit that I did not go down it. Scary is just not my thing. Everyone went down the slide except for me... I think Liv even went down part of the way with Peggy. We also made a trip out to a pumpkin patch in Clayton, but it was a bit of a bust. Romey had a good time running around, but we adults were not impressed. So Romey shuffled some pumpkins around, Liv got her picture taken in a pile of pumpkins, but we ended up just buying pumpkins at a local market about a week later. We may head out with Erica and the girls to a different patch this week to get the whole experience because I felt like I missed out a bit this year.
We have also been trying to see our friends and family as much as possible. We went to a birthday party for our friend Jason and caught up with a bunch of our friends there. OH! And while we were at his party, Jason invited us to bring Roman to his firehouse the following week. It took a little bit of time for Roman to warm up to the firehouse, but once he did, he had a great time playing in and on the trucks. Although, I should also mention that he cried and cried and cried when Jason turned on one of the trucks when Roman was sitting in the driver seat. It was just too much for him to handle. But the flashing lights and all the buttons in the cab of the truck were a huge hit.
We have been able to have dinner a couple of times with Sarah, Erik, and the kidlets, and of course we have been playing with Erica, Than, and the kids. I love, love, LOVE seeing Roman playing with his cousins. He's really starting to learn that playing with other kids is a lot of fun. He and Gentry were walking hand in hand the other day on our way to lunch, and it was so adorable. Now when Roman sees other kids he'll actually go up and say hi instead of being shy. He has played on the trampoline; he has taken walks with Erica's big wagon; he has played in the big toy house and police car and slide and, well you get the idea. He has been having a great time.
And of course, we have been spending lots and lots of time with Grandma and Grandpa. Bill is seriously a baby whisperer. He can keep Livia happy longer than any of the rest of us, and Peggy is always thinking of fun things to do with Roman. Rome was so excited to see that Grandma turned her sewing room into a play room. He has played in there nearly every day. And I have really put Peggy to work with projects for the kids since I got here: 1. She had to tailor Liv's Halloween costume because it was gigantic even though I ordered her a newborn size. 2. She had to make trick or treat bags for the kids to take on their very first trick or treating excursion (She made little pumpkin sacks!). 3. She had to make stockings for Christmas. All three projects are coming along swimmingly. I have been freaking out about having some unique and special stockings (especially this year as this will be our first Christmas as our complete little family), and I am so happy to see them coming along. I think they will be absolutely perfect, and she has put together most of the pieces already.
We've really been taking it easy the last couple of weeks because this coming week will be super busy. Our friend Alex (Rome and Liv's alt-dad) is flying down to see us; we will be trick or treating with Than, Erica, Sarah, and Erik and all the kids; Erin and Rick are flying down to celebrate my birthday; and we are doing a number of things to celebrate my big 3-0. But for now, Marc and I are relaxing on the couch, while the kids are asleep, having a drink, and we just finished watching the Giants sweep the Tigers in the World Series. It has been such a great trip so far.