We spent all day Friday in San Francisco... walking, walking, walking and then walking a bit more. We took a cable car to Fisherman's Wharf which turned into a bit of a logistical nightmare, but again, with no kids it was no big deal. I grew up in the Bay Area but had never spent much time in SF, so it was fun to go exploring.
The wedding wasn't until 4 on Saturday, so we had the whole morning to walk (and walk, and walk...) and explore some more! We stayed on the east side (we're eastsiders at heart, you know) and visited 2 of my old houses, my middle school and even my preschool:
Isn't that an impressive preschool?? It was so odd to be back in that part of the world... and shocking that after 19 years (yikes, 19 years?!) so little has changed. It was all so familiar. 
Then of course there was the main event: the wedding! The bride, Mara, was my very best friend growing up and although I don't see her much now, it's like no time has passed when I do see her. We've only met the groom, Matt, once... but I could tell immediately that M & M (as they're known, how cute is that?) are a perfect match. I don't usually cry at weddings but I bawled through this one. As Mara said after the ceremony, it was a very "full circle" moment.
The ceremony was outside at the gardens of the beautiful Oakland Museum. It was a beautifully sunny day and I'm now sporting a lovely sunburn to prove it! A good reminder to bring sunscreen to our next destination: Lincoln City! Wish us lots of good weather!
2. Salmon Street Springs is filled with very cold water. When it's only 67 degrees outside, it feels even colder. You might think you want to go in. You might look at that tempting fountain and convince yourself that there is no way to avoid going in. But if you decide to go in when it's 67 degrees outside and you have no change of clothes and you have to hurry back across the Hawthorne Bridge on your scooter to avoid a parking ticket, you will regret that decision.
Balsalmic Honey Drizzled Salmon
Balsalmic Honey Finishing Sauce
You'll have better luck with the young folk if you happen to serve above entree with cherry, strawberry and blueberry crisp with an almond/sugar topping. And ice cream of course. Unfortunately, I can take no credit for the crisp (or ice cream)... it was made by our fabulous dinner guests.
Just like last year, Cayden had a great time. 24 hours to run around with many of his closest buddies and go nuts... who could ask for anything more?! All in all, I've been impressed each year with how smooth things have gone. One might think it would be complete and utter chaos with so many grade-school boys on the loose, but they pretty much just do their thing and leave us moms alone. It's a win-win!
For the past 2 years now, Avery has been lucky enough to have a teacher and a student teacher... and I cannot tell you how nice it is to know that there are still folks out there who want to be teachers! Each of her student teachers have been phenomenal; I just hope they're able to find jobs in this district that is having to cut jobs left and right. Both teachers this year (Mrs. R and Ms. G) had strong academic expectations but a very sincere, nurturing side that was perfect for Avery. She's grown so much this year... I think there's definitely a huge leap that happens in 3rd grade. I can't wrap my brain around the fact that she's just got 2 years left in elementary school!
Cayden brought home his journal on the last day of school and it was only then that I really realized how far he's come this year. He started out writing a sentence or two each day, and ended the year writing chapter stories... paragraph upon paragraph each day. He had the perfect teacher (Mrs. D) for him this year; she didn't hesitate to offer him more challenging work when he needed it. That really helped him recognize the caliber of work he could be doing if he put his mind to it. He's changed so much since September... and already excited about his new role as a 2nd grader.
...especially on a Wordless Wednesday, but it's unavoidable. I happened to have my camera with me (for the last day of school) when I drove by a couple of protesters at a local Planned Parenthood clinic this morning. I just had to become a cool private eye for a minute and take some undercover photos of the two guys that I've seen out there on multiple occasions.
